Shemar Stewart, the first-round rookie, wants improved language in his first NFL deal. Right now, the Bengals are looking at a toothless defense unless some resolutions are reached. ESPN's Ben Solak explains, though, that Stewart's situation is hinging a lot on Hendrickson. Here's Solak's thinking:

It's been nearly two months since Trey Hendrickson has had anything to say about his ongoing contract standoff with the Cincinnati Bengals. Back in May, the 2024 NFL sack leader made it clear that he won't be suiting up this year under the terms of his current contract, which is set to pay him a $15.8 million base salary in 2205.

Hendrickson and the Bengals sit in an incredibly complicated position for a number of reasons, though his age, the recent smaller extensions and threats of holdouts stand tall as big issues. As Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer just wrote, the situation is best summed up as unpredictable right now: