On the eve of the 2025 Bengals camp, see how massive contracts for Ja'Marr Chase & Tee Higgins contrast with Trey Hendrickson's unrest. Will it divide the team?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The calm before the storm. That's the feeling in Cincinnati on this Friday, July 18th, as the Bengals stand on the precipice of the 2025 training camp. The bags are packed, the 90-man roster is being finalized, and the air is thick with anticipation. But beneath the surface of standard camp excitement lies a stark contrast: an offense locked, loaded, and paid, and a defense facing a potentially seismic leadership shake-up.
We know what’s expected of us. We’re ready to deliver.
There's no uncertainty on the offensive side of the ball. After a landmark offseason, the Bengals have committed a staggering $276 million to their star wide receiver duo. Ja'Marr Chase inked a four-year, $161 million extension, while Tee Higgins secured his own bag with a four-year, $115 million deal. The message from the front office is clear: the passing attack is the engine of this team. The pressure is now squarely on the pair to elevate an already elite offense into a truly unstoppable force. As Chase himself put it, 'We know what’s expected of us. We’re ready to deliver.' Expect fireworks from #1 and #85 from the very first snap of camp.
While the offense celebrates its financial security, the defense is grappling with significant unease. Veteran leader and Pro Bowl defensive end Trey Hendrickson is reportedly unhappy with his current contract, a situation that could disrupt the entire unit. Compounding the problem is the ongoing holdout of fellow lineman Shemar Stewart. This double-whammy puts the Bengals' defensive leadership and cap management under a microscope. Will Hendrickson report to camp tomorrow? Will the team be forced to make a tough decision? The silence on this front is deafening and creates the biggest question mark heading into the season.
Beyond the headline-grabbing contract sagas, careers are on the line. As camp kicks off tomorrow, the battle for the final spots on the 90-man roster will be fierce. The team is expected to finalize its list overnight, meaning today is the last day of certainty for many hopefuls. Keep a close eye on the battles at wide receiver, where depth is needed behind the big two, and along the defensive line, where the current contract drama could open the door for an underdog to make a name for himself. Every practice, every rep will matter.
Giving fans a taste of what's to come, the team also released its official opponent preview for the 2025 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The analysis highlighted the importance of a strong start to the season and keyed in on matchups like the Bengals' revamped secondary against Arizona's young and speedy receivers. It's a reminder that while internal dramas are unfolding, a 17-game schedule looms, and the work to prepare for opponents like the Cardinals starts now.
And so, we wait. Tomorrow, the talking stops and the real work begins. Will the Bengals' offense live up to its massive price tag? Will the defensive leadership questions find answers on the practice field? Who will emerge from the pack to claim a roster spot? All will begin to unfold when the gates to training camp swing open on Saturday. The 2025 season is officially here.
