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**Bengals Offseason Drama: Hendrickson Contract, Rookie Holdout, and Burrow’s Stance Keep Cincinnati in the Headlines**
**Cincinnati, OH** – Even during the NFL’s quietest period, the Cincinnati Bengals are generating significant buzz, fueled by ongoing contract disputes and the looming presence of star quarterback Joe Burrow. The biggest stories involve All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson’s contract standoff and the delayed participation of first-round pick Shemar Stewart.
Burrow, known for his leadership, has commented on the Hendrickson situation, acknowledging the team’s needs while maintaining a pragmatic approach. “He’s handling it like you’d expect him to,” a Bengals source noted.
Adding to the complexity, reports have surfaced analyzing the Bengals’ rookie contract language, potentially shedding light on why Stewart has yet to fully integrate with the team. A comparison to another team’s rookie contract structures might be revealing.
On a more positive note, second-year defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. is reportedly fully recovered from an injury that hampered him last season and is poised for a larger role in the upcoming season.
Finally, fans hoping for a late free-agent addition at guard, such as Brandon Scherff, may be disappointed, as indications suggest the Bengals are not actively pursuing that avenue.
The Bengals offseason is shaping up to be one of the more talked-about, and with Burrow’s upcoming appearance on a Netflix series, the spotlight will continue to shine brightly on Cincinnati.
First Piper 