Cincinnati Bengals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Cincinnati Bengals first-round rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart will remain away from the team for Phase 2 of the team's offseason workouts that start on Tuesday due to a disagreement over contract language in his rookie deal, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The 21-year-old was the 17th overall pick in this year's NFL draft, and he's reportedly requesting that his contract language be the same as the team's last two first-round selections. Stewart is missing important repetitions before his rookie season, but it would be a surprise if his holdout lasted deep into the summer for training camp. In addition to working out an agreement on Stewart's rookie deal, the Bengals are tied up in a disagreement over a long-term contract extension for All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson this offseason.

Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson said there hasn't been any communication with the team regarding a potential long-term contract extension "between my camp and the organization post draft." "The offers prior to the draft did not reflect the vision we shared and were promised last offseason if I continued to play at a high level. Coaches are aware of these past conversations. Rather than using collaboration to get us to a point to bring me home to the team, THEY are no longer communicating. I have been eagerly awaiting a resolution of this situation, but that's hard to do when there is no discussion and an evident lack of interest in reaching mutual goals," Hendrickson said in a statement. The Bengals continue to say they want to bring the 30-year-old back as he enters the final year of his current deal, but they've done nothing to back that up. It appears Hendrickson is running out of patience.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle B.J. Hill (undisclosed) was seen at the team's facility wearing a walking boot, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. It's early in the offseason, so this should not be viewed as much of a concern, but the Bengals were ravaged by injuries on defense a season ago. Hill signed a three-year, $33 million contract to remain with the team this offseason. The former third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of NC State has spent the last three seasons with Cincy, racking up 154 tackles and 12.5 sacks in 46 games. The 30-year-old will be tasked with helping the team turn things around under new defensive coordinator Al Golden following a disastrous 2024 campaign for its stop unit.