Bengals Star Joe Burrow Makes Emotions Clear on Lacking Havoc-Wrecking Trey Hendrickson, Rookie Shemar Stewart at Camp
Because the Cincinnati Bengals open coaching camp with playoff ambitions and a wholesome roster core, the absence of two key defensive ends, veteran Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart, has stirred concern. And quarterback Joe Burrow, one of many franchise’s most revered voices, isn’t hiding how he feels about it.
Why Is Joe Burrow Annoyed Over Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart Lacking Bengals Camp?
Burrow spoke candidly after Wednesday’s observe when requested about Hendrickson and Stewart not reporting. “Clearly disappointing,” he stated. “You’d prefer to have all of your guys on the market Day 1 to attempt to construct that cohesion that I used to be speaking about earlier. However it’s not the way it normally works out. It’s a enterprise, and that’s the way it’s gone.”
Joe Burrow on absence of Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart from Bengals coaching camp:
“Disappointing. You’d prefer to have all of your guys on the market Day 1 to attempt to construct that cohesion I used to be speaking about earlier, however that’s not the way it normally works out. … I feel the sooner…
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) July 23, 2025
The veteran Hendrickson stays in Florida, in response to present studies, holding out over contract frustrations which have been brewing for months. As detailed by PFSN’s Terrance Biggs, Hendrickson has outperformed practically each top-tier go rusher during the last two seasons, racking up 35 sacks.
These numbers inform the entire story. Hendrickson’s 35 sacks exceed these of Myles Garrett (28), Maxx Crosby (22), and T.J. Watt (30.5), all of whom have lately acquired profitable extensions with considerably extra assured cash.
Regardless of his manufacturing, the Bengals have reportedly supplied Hendrickson solely one 12 months of assured cash, a stark distinction to the three-year ensures given to his friends. NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed the dispute facilities round “assured cash; the Bengals have been prepared to supply just one 12 months of it whereas different prime go rushers… have gotten three.”
This is a matter revolving round assured cash; the Bengals have been prepared to supply just one 12 months of it whereas different prime go rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, TJ Watt – have gotten three. https://t.co/0Hy4wwJHgD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 22, 2025
In the meantime, the scenario with rookie Stewart provides one other layer of complexity. As reported by PFSN’s Joe Macri, Cincinnati’s first-round draft choose has but to take the sphere because of considerations over contract language.
Stewart is pushing again towards new clauses Cincinnati desires to incorporate in rookie contracts, particularly ones that would void future ensures if a participant is injured. What makes Stewart’s case uncommon is that the Bengals haven’t used such clauses in prior rookie offers.
The rookie is combating for a similar protections that previous first-round picks acquired, an affordable stance given the precedent. His actual location stays unclear, however his absence from camp speaks volumes about his dedication to securing correct contract safety.
Burrow emphasised the significance of getting offers completed rapidly, saying, “I feel the sooner you get these items completed, the higher.” The message was clear: each day with out these gamers on the sphere prices the workforce priceless observe time and chemistry constructing.
For a workforce with playoff aspirations, lacking two key go rushers from day one creates apparent considerations. Protection should complement Cincinnati’s high-powered offense, and that stability turns into more durable to realize when key items are absent.
Burrow wrapped up his ideas with attribute honesty: “It may be irritating, however it’s the enterprise of the NFL; that’s how issues go.” His phrases mirrored not simply frustration, however a deeper understanding that workforce success requires all of the items in place from the start.
With Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai presently filling the void on the sting, the Bengals transfer ahead with their preparations. Nonetheless, till each Hendrickson and Stewart conditions attain resolutions, questions concerning the protection will proceed to overshadow what needs to be an optimistic begin to camp.
