There is no end in sight to the Bengals’ dual contract standoffs. First-round pick Shemar Stewart left Cincinnati on the last day of mandatory minicamp, while All-Pro Trey Hendrickson remains away from the team as he fights for a new deal.
Hendrickson is “very much dug in on his position” and will not sign a one-year extension, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via the Rich Eisen Show). The veteran edge rusher is not seeking to eclipse Myles Garrett‘s $40MM APY, but wants something just above $35MM per year in the range of Maxx Crosby and Danielle Hunter. Hendrickson is also looking for a stronger commitment from the Bengals in terms of length and guaranteed money.
Stewart, meanwhile, remains steadfast in his opposition to a specific clause that would void the remaining guarantees in his contract if he were to default in one year. That language is different than the contracts offered to the Bengals’ last two first-round picks, but it is the same as the majority of first-round picks around the league, including the players drafted right before and after Stewart, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. At least one person inside the organization believes that the language used with Amarius Mims and Myles Murphy would have the desired voiding effect in case of a default, per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
The Bengals have options to end both disputes. They could obviously change the terms of Stewart’s deal to match those of Mims and Murphy, or they could offer him something elsewhere in the contract. Given that first-round picks all have fully-guaranteed deals with preset slot values, Cincinnati’s options in that regard are slightly limited. They could give Stewart more of his money up front via an accelerated payment schedule for his signing bonus or bigger training camp roster bonuses.
For Hendrickson, the Bengals will have to meet his demands in some form or fashion. He is currently set to earn $16MM in non-guaranteed money this year, which will not be enough to get him on the field. A two-year extension worth $71.5MM would slightly outpace Crosby and Hunter, and guaranteeing his 2025 and 2026 compensation should get him upwards of $50MM in guaranteed money.
It’s unclear if that would get a deal done, but Pelissero said that the Bengals have “talked about a variety of options over the past several weeks.” He still expects the two sides to reach an agreement on multi-year extension, but there’s no timeline to getting a deal done.
I think it’s hilarious that somebody involved with the Bengals obviously is spreading rumors about trades for these 2 guys. Somebody said they should trade them to the Bears. Why would the Bears want the headache? Why would any other team want the headache? Why would you give anything for a twit you can’t sign? Why? Why? Why indeed! ROTFLMAO. Stewart could be the biggest bust in this draft. He is just another combine darling. Look like Tarzan, Play like Jane. Hey he’s your problem now Cincy.
In at least Stewart’s case, it’s pretty clearly the Bengals being the headache. Why would he or his agent accept a worse deal than their last two first rounders got? If some other team that liked him in the draft thinks they can get Stewart at a discount in trade and then just give him a normal contract, that’s pretty appealing.
Well I can pretty much eliminate the Bears no matter what the Cap situation is. The Bears signed Odeyingbo to a 3 year deal. 8 million this year and then 20 million the next 2 with most of it guaranteed. They aren’t going to trade for somebody since they have A new DC playing a whole new defense so they’re not going to take on a nightmare like that, I mean either nightmare like that until they at least see what they have. Booker was drafted last year and really isn’t a bend but don’t break player like Eberlose played so his stock should be going up Even Robinson who has been a waste so far improved and was supposed to be one of the stars of mini camp for whatever that’s worth. The arrow is pointing straight up for the Bears defense right now and Shemar Turner can play some end too they say. And as far as running back goes the Bears have no need of a RB right now much less older ones. I’m sure somebody will get cut that they like because there are always RB’s around. It’s just funny to me that everyone picks what THEY think the Bears need. What the Bears need the most is for that 2nd round contract snafu to get solved and for camp to start and to play a game or 2. Then we’ll see what they might need.
That all makes sense, but at the same time, look at how a team like the Eagles functions. They always try to have depth and succession plans on the defensive front. Sweat is 29. Odeyingbo is only on a three year deal. Stewart isn’t even 22 yet and could use some development. Three years into Stewart’s career he could be hitting his potential while you let Odeyingbo walk. And Stewart, like Odeyingbo, really fits the Dennis Allen style of oversized edge.
I would expect the Bears to keep their draft picks and draft their successors like really good teams do. And fill in the blanks when needed. Not trading them away for shiny baubles every year or the Ryan Pace School of Football Management.
I’m not saying they should or will, but if they had a high grade on Stewart and can get his whole rookie contract at a discount, that’s just good business. It’s not like trading for a veteran they have to pay.
It’s not on the Bengals. It’s not like the Bengals are trying to reinvent the wheel. The language they are adding is common around the league. Teams have been introducing this clause to contracts and there haven’t been any rookie holdouts over it. It doesn’t really make sense to hold out over it unless they thought they had some leverage by parlaying Hendrickson’s holdout.
Sure it’s on the Bengals. I’ll ask again: Why would he or his agent accept a worse deal than their last two first rounders got? Especially when they took him higher than either of them.
Basically the Bengals want to include default conditions in Stewart’s contract that were not in Murphy or Sims contract. Why would they do that? Are they not confident that he is going to live up to the contract? If so, why did they draft him?
I can only think of one reason really. They found out something about him they didn’t know before they drafted him. I mean these contracts now have been negotiated in the CBA and are pretty cut and died and cast in stone. So what did they learn? Or what changed? Hmmmm…..
Dried, My bad.
There’s another reason: They’re a nickel and dime franchise that plays games with tons of players.
Maybe, But for a nickel and dime franchise they’ve handed out some hefty extensions. But it seems they’ve picked a hill to die on by not offering a huge extension to a guy over 30 in Hendrickson. The Stewart thing I can’t explain. I’m kind of thinking they thought Stewart could replace Hendrickson next year and they’d move on.
Seriously….you really don’t think that every drafted player “lives up to their contract” values do you…..of course that silly, and sure you agree. Its possible the Bengals are attempting to change the narrative concerning 1st round draftees who might not be the player thought of when drafted…..certainly a different path to take in contract negotiations but not worthy of the negativity from some commenters regarding how stingy the Bengals are…..they may be in fact, but changing the expectations of earning your contract from the teams standpoint is pretty sound judgement…..of course a drafted player and his agent will scream bloody murder….and a few of you commenters too……
If Stewart hasn’t committed some kind of Morally objectionable offense he’s certainly entitled to what all the 1st rounders are due. Like I said, The CBA has first round contracts are basically written in stone so I’m not sure what the Bengals are doing there. But the Hendickson thing I get. But the two aren’t remotely similar.
Bengals are going to Bengal. They’ve drawn a line in the sand with these two players that will end up hurting their ability to draw quality free agents.
Only a matter of time before Burrow wants out.
Oranges and apples…..Hendrickson is on the wrong side of 30 with a year to go on a contract he signed…..the Bengals being cautious, possibly over-cautious doesn’t warrant all the criticism…..and Burrow is a proven commodity at QB and not a rookie who hasn’t played a down in the league……free agents will always go where they can make the most money, and if that puts the Bengals in the middle to bottom….that’s their choice……if they offer the most, free agents, basically seeking the biggest contract dollars will sign for sure…
See you get it Rocky! It’s not Rocket Science. For most people anyway.
The Bengals are inviting this drama.
If you want to make a point about Hendrickson and not honoring his contract – Ill listen to that. ( though I don’t necessarily agree, but I get it)
Rarely do I think a blanket approach in the NFL in taking sides is smart. I don’t always side with the player or vice versa. I understand both dynamics and sometimes I side with a player. Sometimes I side with organization.
But if you believe Trey – he was told that if he repeated his 2023 effort, they would reward him. It seems they are still trying to lowball him. Fine – but you are still inviting the drama. Thats the NFL GM game isn’t it?
The weirdness with Shemar is just the insane – whether you are with Trey or not. Shemar has all the cards here – really. Sure, this can delay the start if his career – but the optics are really bad for Cincy. Its penny pinching just for the sake of it.
The stats when Trey is on the field vs off the field are striking. Cincys defense is just terrible. Ok. You want to play hardball with him? Great! Draft a player and in rd 1 – only to then embarrass yourself with nonsense in a typical rookie contract?
Yikes,
And btw – Shemar is nowhere near a sure thing. PLENTY of questions about him.
Its just silly nonsense.
Despite all of this – I still fully expect Cincy to be a top 4 AFC team. I just cant write them off with Burrow. He is so good.
But if it blows up and they miss playoffs again – everyone in the front office needs to update their resume.
If I was the owner Id be embarrassed at this nickle and dime stuff becoming so public and ugly. Then again – maybe it is the owner driving it. The reputation isn’t new.
Again the Bengals ARE honoring Hendricksons contract. They just want to pay him for this year and not extend him. Hendrickson IS THE ONE NOT HONORING HIS CONTRACT. He has a contract he signed for this year. So I’ve heard NOTHING about the Bengals saying they want to cut him. So let’s stop the nonsense.
I understand all the dynamics here. You are not making a point that is new.
And its a point that in some situations I might agree with.
But if your boss told you to do something for a raise – and you did that – wouldn’t you be upset?
Not if I signed a contract that says I would I wouldn’t, NO.
So when a contact is terminated, you come with the same energy?
No contracted has been terminated. PLEASE stop being deliberately dense. I’ve talked to trees who make more sense than you are.
One of us is being dense.
You and I were discussing the dynamics of NFL contracts.
When a player holds out you always side with the player.
Im asking you if when a team terminates a contract if you feel the same.
Its not a difficult question.
Sorry- meant team
You always side eith the team
This is a conversation I used to have with my ex wife. That’s why I talk to trees. If you or your agent negotiates a deal for you where you have no guaranteed money and can be cut then you’re a moron. Either for hiring your agent or agreeing to it yourself. Most contracts like that have already been re negotiated before. Having said that Hendrickson only has around 2.5 million GUARANTEED but the Bengals are willing to pay the whole 18 million and haven’t said anything otherwise. The point is Hendrickson wants more years and more guaranteed money which the Bengals, AND APPARENTLY no other NFL team is willing to do either or he’d be gone. Not even Jerry Jones. So now I’ve explained it simply as I can, But I’m sure you won’t get it anyway.
Hmmmm
Thats not exactly true is it?
If he were a free agent he would get it – no question.
And the trade price was high – more than a first. Meaning not only do I give up a first but also a new contract.
And you are leaving out the part where Trey said he was given verbal assurances that they would take care of him.
Maybe you don’t know that part. Maybe it’s inconvenient for you to admit. Maybe you just don’t believe him.
But you understand what I mean – Im sure of it. You just dont want to because you are dug in.
I cant imagine why you would be divorced. You speak so respectfully about her.
Wait – is marriage a contract?
Is there some kind of underlying symbolism here? Is the nfl contract a metaphor for marriage?
Im sorry she left you Mike. Really. My marriage is the best part of my life.
I’m 68 , she died. So yeah we both honored our ends.
Im sorry.
I also just learned that people use ex-wife interchangeably with late wife.
I didn’t know that. Thats a thing I guess.
Drama here, in Pittsburgh, and in Cleveland. Ravens say, “thank you very much”.
I can see the Bengals point, that there should be some protections for teams in case of an incident, like Henry Ruggs, for example. I could even see adding escape clauses for players that just don’t develop, like Titans tackle Isaiah Wilson, Cardinals QB Josh Rosen, or Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood. That sort of thing should have been written into the collective bargaining agreement when they re-did the rookie wage scale. I like that they still have an escape clause for players though, like in Stewart’s case, he can just re-enter next year’s draft since he doesn’t like the Bengals contract terms.
Terms already exist for things like the Ruggs situation.
As far as guaranteed money goes? Why do the players need to protect billion-dollar corporations from their own incompetence?
Wilson and Leatherwood were dumb reaches. But also, rookie deals aren’t that expensive compared to the savings of getting a good starter on a rookie contract at one of those positions. The risk is so much less than the potential value. Players risk their wellbeing every time they take the field. Teams that will turn a profit and appreciate in value basically no matter what they do should take on that very affordable risk in contracts.
Plus, players already took a hit in the 2010’s, when they agreed to the rookie wage scale. Without it, we would be looking at high draft picks signing contracts probably valued in, at least, the low-hundred million dollar range.
The players already gave up a lot to protect owners from themselves.
Why are people still writing about Trey? He’s going to sit out, not make 15 million,and try to get a big contract next year. He won’t honor a contract he signed willingly, which shows the type of man he is. Show up, practice, and prove you haven’t lost a step. Personally I hope he sits out and watches his age 31-32 payday be about what he’s supposed to be playing for this year. Shi*Mar on the other hand is just another spoiled rotten athlete who thinks he’s a superstar. He hasn’t done anything in the NFL but he wants to get paid. Put a clause in the contract that if he does something stupid or criminal he doesn’t get paid. Unless he’s planning to race ATVS professionally or planning to murder someone then he has nothing to worry about. Sign the contract young man because you’ll not win a staring contest with Mike Brown. When you go to the press and try to force him into something he sees that as disrespect and he’s the employer and the billionaire and you, obviously are not.
If he sits out he doesn’t become a FA. He still owes the Bengals 1 more season before he qualifies. He has to play out his deal before he becomes a FA.