In the Cincinnati Bengals locker room, the left side remains notably empty, with no backpacks labeled with number 97 filling the lockers assigned to that number. A shower towel remains tucked away in an unused spot, and an unopened package sits on a seat above the cleat rack. At the entrance of the locker for jersey number 91, three black folding chairs block access, and three sealed boxes are stacked in front of the area. These signs highlight ongoing contract disputes keeping two key edge rushers, All-Pro Trey Hendrickson and 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart, away from the team as training camp begins.
Quarterback Joe Burrow expressed disappointment about their absence, emphasizing the importance of building team unity from day one but acknowledged that these contract issues are simply part of NFL business. The disagreements for both players mainly center around contract guarantees. While Hendrickson’s holdout is considered a typical contract negotiation for a veteran with consecutive 17.5-sack seasons, Stewart’s situation is more unusual since rookie contracts are typically governed by preset scales tied to draft position.
The Bengals recently replaced their defensive coordinator with Al Golden, meaning the entire defense, including these edge rushers, is in a learning phase and behind where the team wants them to be heading into the season. Despite the absences, the Bengals’ defense performed sharply in the first day of practice, frustrating Burrow. Teammates and coaches seem more concerned about Stewart’s absence due to his rookie status and lack of experience.
Hendrickson seeks a raise from the final $16 million cash payment under his current deal, with the dispute complicated by the Bengals’ resistance to multi-year guarantees, a practice they have begun to shift with star players like Ja’Marr Chase. Chase himself commented on the emotional nature of contract talks and advised Hendrickson to remain focused on representing the team well.
Stewart and his agent are disputing a contract clause added by the Bengals that gives the team the right to void future guarantees if players act in ways harmful to the team, a clause Bengals say is standard league practice but has deterred them from signing top draft picks so far.
Defensive coordinator Golden is eager to work with Stewart, highlighting drills prepared to help the rookie improve on finishing plays and control. The Bengals took Stewart 17th overall despite differing evaluations of his potential—some signs question if he’s ready to dominate at the next level.
Hendrickson is praised for his one-on-one win ability and pressure effectiveness, but with neither player currently practicing, the duration and terms of their holdouts remain unknown. The ongoing contract drama echoes the long Chase holdout last year, leaving fans and coaches anxious and the defensive unit not fully equipped for the season’s start.
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher stressed the need for all top players to be present for the team to reach its goals, underscoring the urgency of resolving these contract issues soon.
Fan Take: This holdout drama is more than just contract negotiations—it highlights the growing tension between player value and team control in the NFL. For fans, it serves as a reminder that off-field business can heavily impact team chemistry and performance, potentially reshaping how future contracts and rookie deals are handled in the sport.
