The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a bit of a pickle as training camp kicks off, with key players missing in action due to unresolved contract situations. The main headline here? Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson is nowhere near a training camp field, and the contract extension talks have hit an all-time low.
Recent discussions to extend Hendrickson’s contract reportedly fell flat, making the defensive powerhouse feel undervalued. Former linebacker and current analyst, Manti Te’o, weighed in on this during an appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” describing the offer made to Hendrickson as “atrociously low”—not exactly a glowing endorsement of the Bengals’ negotiating tactics.
While the exact figures of the offer remain shrouded in secrecy, what’s clear is that Hendrickson isn’t happy. He’s holding out in Florida, declaring through social media that he’s not stepping back on the field until this contract issue is resolved. There’s a significant impasse here, and with training camp underway, the Bengals are feeling the absence.
But that’s not the only storm brewing in Cincinnati. There’s also the case of first-round pick Shemar Stewart, who remains unsigned and away from the team. Stewart is the lone first-round pick in the league yet to ink a deal, which means the Bengals are entering crucial preparation time with these major question marks lingering.
Head coach Zac Taylor is no stranger to holdouts, but the simultaneous absence of Hendrickson and Stewart presents a unique challenge. The team’s first preseason matchup looms just days away, and the stakes will only rise as they march toward their Week 1 clash against the Cleveland Browns.
Navigating these murky waters will require deft management and negotiation skills from the Bengals’ front office. Fans are undoubtedly eager to see Hendrickson, a vital cog in the defense, back in Bengals’ stripes and Stewart, the promising newcomer, start making an impact. But until then, Cincinnati remains a team in limbo, with critical pieces missing from their puzzle.
