NFL Contract Disputes Affect Bengals, Broncos Key Players Amid 2025 Season Preparation

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, contract negotiations are impacting several teams during training camp. The Cincinnati Bengals are dealing with the absences of edge rushers Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart, who have not reported due to ongoing contract disputes, a situation Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow described as 'disappointing' but part of the business. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos are actively negotiating contract extensions with key players including wide receiver Courtland Sutton and Pro Bowl outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who led the NFL in sacks in 2024; Bonitto emphasized his focus remains on football despite ongoing talks. Broncos head coach Sean Payton indicated positive communication in these negotiations, highlighting that no immediate deadline has been set. Separately, Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson voiced concerns over the NFL's playoff seeding rules after his team, despite a strong regular-season record, was forced to play a Wild Card game on the road, suggesting the league should reconsider home-field advantage criteria. These developments underscore the business complexities and competitive considerations teams and players face ahead of the new NFL season.