Bengals Face Dual Contract Disputes With Edge Rushers Stewart, Hendrickson

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently facing contract disputes with two key edge rushers, first-round pick Shemar Stewart and veteran Trey Hendrickson. Stewart has refused to sign his participation waiver and skip mandatory minicamp due to disagreements over contract language that could void future guarantees, a move supported by some teammates and causing frustration within the organization. Meanwhile, Hendrickson is engaged in contentious negotiations for a contract extension after a highly productive season, but the Bengals have prioritized other players for long-term deals. Despite these tensions, Bengals center and team captain Ted Karras, who also serves as an NFLPA representative, has stated that there is no resentment in the locker room and hopes for a resolution before training camp. The holdouts have left the Bengals without their top edge rushers during a critical offseason period, raising concerns about the team's defensive prospects. The situation highlights the complex business side of the NFL and the challenges teams face balancing player demands and organizational policies.