⁠Trey Hendrickson unsurprisingly opts out of minicamp. First-round pick Shemar Stewart is there but remains inactive.

The situation between the Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson remains deadlocked. According to various media reports, the pass rusher will not be participating in the Bengals’ mandatory minicamp, which comes as little surprise.

Hendrickson and the Bengals have been in a complicated situation for months, with the pass rusher wanting more money for a contract extension. He is entering the final year of his contract in 2025 and currently earns $16 million.

However, the Bengals are apparently not willing to meet Hendrickson’s financial demands, despite the fact that he has been one of the best pass rushers in the NFL in recent years.

They have extended the contracts of receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and increased their salaries. Hendrickson is angry, and the franchise is standing firm. Recently, there have been mutual accusations, including in public.

It remains to be seen whether his absence will change anything. The only thing that will change is his bank balance, as the penalty for missing camp is $105,000.

Bengals: Stewart situation also remains deadlocked

There is also news about Hendrickson’s designated successor, Shemar Stewart. The first-round pick showed up but did not participate in the sessions. He still has not signed his rookie contract.

While the contracts for rookies are financially predetermined, various formulations or clauses can lead to negotiations (and problems). According to NBC Sports, the Bengals have included a new clause in Stewart’s contract.

This would mean that if he misses a certain number of games in a given year, all remaining guarantees would be forfeited, rather than just those for that year, as was previously the case.