Bengals Face Contract Disputes with Two Edge Rushers

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently embroiled in contract disputes with two of their key players: veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart. These disputes have resulted in neither player being on the field, leaving the team's defense vulnerable to opposition attacks.

Trey Hendrickson's Contract Dispute

Hendrickson, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Bengals in 2021, is currently without a new deal. His current contract expires after the upcoming season, and it appears that the two sides are far apart on negotiations. According to reports, Hendrickson is seeking a significant increase in salary, which would put his annual salary above $10 million.

The Bengals, however, have expressed concerns about the financial implications of extending Hendrickson's contract. Team officials have stated that they value Hendrickson's contributions to the defense but cannot accommodate his requests for a substantial raise. This standoff has resulted in Hendrickson not participating in team activities, including practices and meetings, leaving him without a clear path forward.

Shemar Stewart's Contract Dispute

Meanwhile, rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart is also involved in contract negotiations with the Bengals. Stewart, who was drafted by the Bengals in 2022, signed a four-year contract extension last season. However, his current deal has an opt-out clause after three years, which he is likely to exercise in order to become a free agent.

Stewart's representatives have requested a significant increase in salary, citing market value and comparable player contracts. The Bengals have offered Stewart a modest increase, but it appears that the two sides are far apart on negotiations. As a result, Stewart has not been participating in team activities either, leaving his future with the team uncertain.

Impact on the Team's Defense

The absence of Hendrickson and Stewart from the field has left the Bengals' defense vulnerable to opposition attacks. Both edge rushers have proven to be key contributors to the team's pass rush, with Hendrickson recording 10.5 sacks last season and Stewart showing promise as a rookie with four sacks.

Without their two best pass rushers, the Bengals will need to rely on backup edge rushers, such as Jake Fleysher and Cam Jurgens, to fill the void. This has resulted in increased pressure on the team's coaching staff to come up with creative solutions to counter opposing offenses.

What's Next for Hendrickson and Stewart?

As the contract disputes between the Bengals and both Hendrickson and Stewart continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how these situations will play out. In the short term, neither player is likely to participate in team activities until a new deal is reached.

In the long term, however, one of two things may happen. The Bengals may either extend their contracts with Hendrickson and/or Stewart, or the players may choose to opt-out of their current deals and become free agents. Either scenario would have significant implications for the team's defense and overall competitiveness on the field.

A Look at Market Value

To understand the scope of Hendrickson and Stewart's demands, it is essential to examine market value for edge rushers in the NFL. According to data from Spotrac.com, a website that tracks NFL contracts, top edge rushers are earning significant salaries.

For example, Chase Young, a 2020 first-round pick, signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $95 million with a guarantee of $28.5 million. Similarly, pass rusher Derek Wolfe, who signed a three-year contract extension in 2022, is set to earn up to $25 million per year.

By examining these market values, it becomes clear that Hendrickson and Stewart's demands are not unreasonable, considering their age and experience. However, the Bengals' willingness to meet them will depend on various factors, including the team's cap situation and overall budget for 2024.

Conclusion

The contract disputes between the Bengals and Hendrickson and Stewart have resulted in neither player participating in team activities. While the team is unlikely to blink in negotiations, it remains to be seen how these situations will play out.

Ultimately, the Bengals' defense will need to find a way to compensate for the absence of their top edge rushers. This may involve relying on backup pass rushers or exploring creative solutions to counter opposing offenses. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain – the team's competitiveness on the field will depend on how these contract disputes are resolved.