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2d ago

Bengals Draft Shemar Stewart While Trey Hendrickson’s Future Remains Uncertain

Cincinnati selects a high-upside edge rusher in the first round, maintaining Hendrickson's mentorship role despite unresolved contract negotiations.

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Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart, left, and head coach Zac Taylor, right, pose together ahead of a press conference, Friday, April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati.

Overview

  • The Cincinnati Bengals used the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart, a player with elite athletic traits but limited college production.
  • Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, remains in a contract dispute with the Bengals as his long-term future with the team is unresolved.
  • Bengals head coach Zac Taylor emphasized that drafting Stewart was not a move to replace Hendrickson but rather to develop depth and secure the future of the pass rush.
  • Stewart expressed excitement about learning under Hendrickson, calling him a key figure in his development, while team leaders highlighted Hendrickson’s value to the franchise.
  • The Bengals face financial challenges after recent extensions for key players, with management exploring ways to create cap space for a possible Hendrickson extension.