Cincinnati Bengals' 2024 season in turmoil as rookie Shemar Stewart walks out of June minicamp, joining Trey Hendrickson's holdout over a contract dispute.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when the Cincinnati faithful thought the Trey Hendrickson holdout was enough drama for one offseason, the Bengals' defensive end room officially descended into chaos. On the final day of mandatory minicamp, first-round pick Shemar Stewart staged a stunning walkout over a contract dispute, adding a rookie protest to the veteran's holdout and leaving the team's pass rush in a perilous state heading into the summer.
The Bengals are reportedly seeking an unprecedented clause in their first-round pick's contract to void future guarantees, a move that has brought negotiations to a grinding halt and led to Stewart's walkout.
The tension in the defensive line room is now palpable. Stewart, one of only four unsigned first-round picks in the entire league, walked off the field Thursday due to a major snag in his rookie contract negotiations. The reported sticking point is an unprecedented clause the Bengals are insisting on, which would allow them to void future guarantees. This hardline stance has created a standoff with their top draft pick and compounds the problem of veteran Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson's continued holdout over his own contract. With their two most crucial edge rushers now absent, the foundation of Lou Anarumo's defense is showing serious cracks before training camp even begins.
Amid the contractual chaos, there was a significant silver lining emerging from the linebacker corps. Rookie Demetrius Knight Jr. has been a standout performer throughout minicamp, consistently making plays and turning heads. His impressive showing has not gone unnoticed by the team's veteran leaders, including linebacker and potential 2025 team captain Logan Wilson. For a team suddenly facing questions on defense, Knight's rapid development provides a much-needed dose of positive news and establishes him as a key player to watch when the pads come on in July.
This off-field turmoil directly impacts the team's on-field expectations. As of today, oddsmakers have set the Bengals' 2025 win total at 9.5, with the over slightly favored at -135. After missing the playoffs with a 9-8 record last season, the pressure is on to return to contention. However, achieving 10+ wins and cashing in on their +200 odds to win the AFC North becomes significantly harder without a reliable pass rush. How the front office navigates these contract disputes with Stewart and Hendrickson will be the single biggest factor in whether the Bengals can meet, or exceed, the high expectations set for them.
With minicamp now in the rearview mirror, the Bengals enter a crucial six-week lull before training camp. This period is no longer a break; it's a high-stakes negotiation window for the front office. The fates of their star veteran pass rusher and their top rookie investment hang in the balance. Will Cincinnati's leadership find a resolution, or will the team report to camp with its defensive line, and potentially its entire season, already in jeopardy?
