Bengals Face Key Contract Disputes, Missing Star Defenders Camp Start

The Cincinnati Bengals began their 2025 training camp amidst significant contract disputes involving key defensive players Trey Hendrickson and first-round rookie Shemar Stewart. Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks last season, has been absent from camp due to stalled long-term extension talks, with the team offering only one year of fully guaranteed money compared to multi-year deals given to peers like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett. Stewart remains unsigned over disagreements about guaranteed money, seeking protections similar to other first-round picks, while Bengals owner Mike Brown emphasized a refusal to pay if a player faces serious legal issues. These contract holdouts have created distractions for the Bengals, who also placed running back Zack Moss on the non-football injury list. Despite the turmoil, the team remains focused on starting fast under coach Zac Taylor, with quarterback Joe Burrow expected to lead a stable offense. However, the unresolved defensive contract situations highlight ongoing challenges as the Bengals aim for Super Bowl aspirations this season.