The Bengals secured their Paycor Stadium future on June 26, 2025, but face a crisis as Trey Hendrickson and a top rookie hold out. Read the full story.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Who Dey Nation, take a deep breath. The Cincinnati Bengals are staying home. In a landmark agreement announced Thursday, the team and Hamilton County locked down an 11-year lease extension and a massive $470 million renovation for Paycor Stadium. It's a monumental day for the franchise's future in the Queen City. But even as the team's social media celebrates being 'Proud to call Cincinnati home,' a storm is brewing over the roster, with two critical defensive players—a star veteran and a top rookie—holding out for new deals.
We are proud to call Paycor Stadium our home and to keep our future here in Cincinnati, where it belongs.
Let's start with the fantastic news. The Bengals and Hamilton County have officially put pen to paper on a deal that keeps the team at Paycor Stadium through at least 2036. The agreement includes a whopping $470 million for stadium renovations, with the county funding up to $375 million and the team and NFL chipping in $120 million. 'This is a significant day for our franchise, our fans, and our community,' said Bengals Executive VP Katie Blackburn. This deal not only modernizes the stadium but also ends any lingering speculation about the team's long-term commitment to Cincinnati, a huge win for everyone involved.
On the other side of the coin, the celebration is tempered by significant contract disputes. Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has racked up an incredible 35 sacks over the last two seasons, is holding out for a new contract that reflects his elite production. As if that weren't enough, 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart remains unsigned, reportedly due to a holdout over contract language that could void future guarantees. The situation is drawing national attention, with ESPN's Domonique Foxworth blasting the Bengals for 'quibbling' with their top pick, questioning the team's championship focus.
So what does this mean for the defense? With both Hendrickson and Stewart missing from offseason activities, the pressure now falls squarely on the shoulders of Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy. While both are talented players, being forced into top roles is a massive test. The absence of Hendrickson's veteran leadership and Stewart's high-ceiling potential creates a significant void. As training camp approaches, the front office is on the clock to resolve these standoffs before they begin to seriously impact the on-field chemistry and preparation for the 2025 season.
The Bengals have masterfully secured their physical foundation in Cincinnati for the next generation. The front office celebrated a massive win today. Now, the real work begins: securing the human foundation. With training camp on the horizon, the focus must shift from stadium blueprints to player contracts. Resolving the situations with Hendrickson and Stewart is paramount to ensuring the team christens its newly renovated home with a legitimate Super Bowl contender, not a team distracted by what-ifs.
