ESPN Sounds the Alarm: Bengals Face Contract Chaos and Rookie Holdout in Crucial Offseason
In what should be a vital preparation period ahead of the 2025 NFL season, two major storylines are dominating the conversation in Cincinnati: the unresolved contract extension for star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, and a surprising rookie holdout by first-round pick Shemar Stewart.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Hendrickson’s camp is growing “increasingly frustrated” over a lack of progress in contract talks. After a monster 17.5-sack season in 2024, the All-Pro edge rusher believes he has outplayed his current deal — and he’s not showing up until it’s addressed.
“He’s one of the most disruptive forces in the NFL,” Schefter said on ESPN’s NFL Live. “And he’s not being paid like it. This could absolutely drag into training camp.”
Meanwhile, top draft pick Shemar Stewart has yet to sign his rookie deal. Sources say the dispute involves contract language and structure — a rare but significant hiccup for a team already juggling a tight salary cap and several key free agents.
🔥 ESPN Panel: This Could Derail Their Season Before It Starts
On a recent First Take segment, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith didn’t mince words:
The Bengals are playing with fire,” Smith said. “They’ve got a championship-caliber quarterback in Joe Burrow, a loaded offense, and a young defense ready to prove something. But if you’ve got your best defender and your top rookie both missing camp? That’s a recipe for disaster.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes added that without Hendrickson’s presence off the edge, the Bengals’ young and unproven defense could be exposed early in the season — especially in a stacked AFC North.
🛡️ Golden’s Defense: New Faces, New Pressure
New defensive coordinator Al Golden is installing a fresh scheme built on speed, versatility, and pressure. With veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt released and defensive roles wide open, Golden is counting on rookies like Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter to step up fast.
They’re talented, but they’re green,” said ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. “If Hendrickson and Stewart are out, that defense is going to have to grow up overnight.
💥 Burrow and the Offense: Can They Outscore the Drama?
On the offensive side, Joe Burrow enters the season healthy and well-protected behind what ESPN calls “Cincinnati’s most complete offensive line in years.” Running back Chase Brown is primed for a breakout year, and the Bengals still have elite playmakers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
But ESPN cautions: without a solid defense, Burrow may be forced into shootouts weekly — something even an elite QB can’t win alone.
Tension in the Jungle
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, ESPN continues to highlight the Bengals as one of the league’s most fascinating — and fragile — teams. Talent isn’t the issue. Timing is.
If Cincinnati can resolve the Hendrickson and Stewart situations quickly, Al Golden’s defense could find its footing and Burrow’s offense might thrive. But if this chaos lingers, the Bengals may waste another golden year of their superstar quarterback’s prime.
SOURCE ; ESPN.com reports on Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart
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