Overview

• Shemar Stewart walked out of mandatory minicamp on June 12 without signing his rookie contract due to Bengals’ proposed clauses that could void future guarantees.
• Trey Hendrickson has sat out every offseason workout as he presses for a multiyear extension and higher compensation.
• Cincinnati has gone without two projected starting defensive ends during critical preparation for the 2025 season.
• The front office’s push to establish new contract language for rookies has faced pushback from both Stewart’s camp and Hendrickson’s representatives.
• Coach Zac Taylor says he and Stewart have maintained private dialogue and expects both players to be in place before training camp starts.