Cincinnati Bengals June 2025 update: Contract talks resume with Trey Hendrickson, but Joe Burrow faces scrutiny and a rookie holds out. Get the latest news.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when the Who Dey Nation was bracing for a long, cold war with its best defensive player, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon Sunday. After months of a tense stalemate, the Cincinnati Bengals and star defensive end Trey Hendrickson have finally returned to the negotiating table. But as one fire seems to be simmering down, two others are flaring up, with first-round pick Shemar Stewart still holding out and franchise quarterback Joe Burrow facing a new wave of scrutiny over his performance.
When there's a lack of communication in any relationship... lack of communication leads to animosity, and that leaves my narrative only to me with no clear direction.
The biggest sigh of relief in Cincinnati came with the news that contract talks with Trey Hendrickson are back on. After skipping all offseason activities and racking up nearly $105,000 in fines for missing mandatory minicamp, the All-Pro who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024 is finally re-engaging with the front office. Hendrickson, who publicly voiced his frustration over the team's silence, is the lynchpin of the Bengals' pass rush. Getting a long-term deal done before training camp is now Priority A, as his presence is non-negotiable for a defense that needs its leader.
While the Hendrickson news is positive, the Bengals' front office is still juggling another crisis. First-round draft pick Shemar Stewart, the defensive lineman expected to learn from Hendrickson, remains unsigned and absent from the team. Stewart walked out of minicamp over a contract language dispute, and the impasse shows no signs of breaking. The situation is a growing concern, leaving a significant hole in the team's defensive plans and creating the awkward dynamic of having the team's top veteran and top rookie defensive players both in contract disputes simultaneously.
All the off-field drama is amplified by the growing concerns on the field, centered on Joe Burrow. Despite a solid 10-7 record and an offense that puts up over 27 points per game, the eye test and underlying stats tell a story of struggle. The offensive line has been a sieve, allowing a staggering 55 sacks, putting Burrow under constant duress. This has fueled questions about his ability to elevate the team back to Super Bowl contention. With a talented roster, the pressure is squarely on Burrow and the offense to overcome their protection woes and prove they are still the elite unit the AFC fears.
The Bengals find themselves at a critical juncture. Resolving the Hendrickson standoff is a massive step in the right direction, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. The front office must now find a way to get their first-round pick in the building while the coaching staff works to restore faith in the offense and its franchise quarterback. With training camp looming, the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the 2025 Bengals are true contenders or a team collapsing under the weight of its own expectations.
