All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith has been a thorn in the Cincinnati Bengals’ side since the Baltimore Ravens acquired him during the 2022 season. Before that, he was a member of the Chicago Bears, who selected him with the No.

Early on Tuesday, July 15, rumors sparked that the Cincinnati Bengals No. 17 overall pick Shemar Stewart was working out with his former Texas A&M team in the midst of a contract disagreement between him and the Bengals.

Trey Hendrickson is supposed to lead the Cincinnati Bengals defense into better days but the contractual issues might put that in hold. Joe Burrow might prepare for another NFL season of pure shootouts.

But there’s one glaring exception standing alone: Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart ... The Bengals aren’t outliers; they’re following league-wide trends. Stewart’s holdout may not be driven by desperation, though.

Trey Hendrickson has been holding out for a new contract from the Cincinnati Bengals for many weeks now. As the preseason nears, at least one person is recognizing the dangers of this approach.

In a bold take, this ESPN Insider issued his take on the Trey Hendrickson situation as the Cincinnati Bengals have yet to extend him.

Cincinnati Bengals second-round pick Demetrius Knight has signed his rookie contract on the day his draft class reports to training camp. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Knight and the Bengals agreed on his four-year contract that gives him roughly 80 percent fully guaranteed.