Cincinnati Bengals Contract Standoffs Risk 2025 Season, Impact Defense

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently embroiled in significant contract disputes involving key defensive players Trey Hendrickson and first-round pick Shemar Stewart, with both potentially missing the start of the 2025 NFL season. Stewart's holdout centers on a contentious contract clause that could void future guaranteed money, which he and his teammates view as unfair, while Hendrickson has expressed frustration over the Bengals reneging on promises regarding his compensation despite his strong on-field performance. These standoffs have drawn criticism from analysts like Ross Tucker, who advise against the Bengals' approach to contract negotiations, highlighting a pattern of mishandling that has also affected other star players like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Joe Burrow. The Bengals' frugality and poor contract management are seen as undermining their defensive strength and threatening their competitiveness early in the season, as opposing teams might benefit from their absence. Head coach Zac Taylor remains publicly optimistic about Stewart's attitude and learning despite the dispute. Overall, the Bengals' ongoing financial and managerial issues risk another disappointing year despite the team's potential as a title contender.