The Cincinnati Bengals have chosen to retain star defensive end Trey Hendrickson despite speculation linking him to potential trades during the NFL draft. After selecting Shemar Stewart, some insiders believed Hendrickson might be on the move. However, coach Zac Taylor emphasized that the draft pick would not affect Hendrickson's status. The Bengals have a history of holding onto key players, and with Hendrickson’s restructured contract, the team appears to hold all leverage in their ongoing negotiations.

Hendrickson signed a one-year extension in 2023, but has openly expressed a desire for a long-term deal. At age 30, his production remains high, making the front office less inclined to trade him given his performance relative to salary. They granted him permission to seek a trade, but no offers materialized, reinforcing Hendrickson’s position on the roster as the Bengals expect him to fulfill his contract through the start of the season.

The Cincinnati Bengals are making strategic moves during the NFL Draft, showcasing a newfound willingness to invest in key players like quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, the team is also engaged in contract negotiations with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who has been allowed to explore trade opportunities, ultimately leading to the drafting of a potential replacement, Shemar Stewart, from Texas A&M at No. 17. The Bengals have also fortified their offensive line by selecting guard Dylan Fairchild from Georgia, who is expected to start at left guard and bolster protection for Burrow, despite concerns about his limited experience.

The Cincinnati Bengals continue to bolster their defensive line, recently drafting Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M at No. 17 overall. This move immediately sparked discussions about the future of veteran pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. However, head coach Zac Taylor quickly dismissed trade speculations surrounding Hendrickson, emphasizing the need for depth and versatility along the defensive front.

Stewart, though criticized for his lack of sacks in college, is viewed as a player who can excel in a specific role similar to Sam Hubbard's. The Bengals' front office remains confident in retaining Hendrickson, especially with their focus on a championship window in 2025. Taylor highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong defensive line, hinting at a long-term vision that values multiple contributors over any single player.

The Cincinnati Bengals face a mixed response following their first-round selection of pass-rusher Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite his impressive physical metrics and potential to fill a critical role on the Bengals' defensive front, concerns linger regarding his production, having recorded only 4.5 sacks in three seasons. Analysts' evaluations have varied significantly, with grades ranging from a B by USA Today, highlighting Stewart's fit for the Bengals' defensive needs, to more skeptical assessments from CBS Sports and The Ringer, who awarded C grades, noting his raw instincts and need for development.

Amidst the uncertainty around Trey Hendrickson's future with the team, the Bengals opted for Stewart hoping his athleticism can translate into NFL success. While they addressed a pressing need on the edge, the pick has been criticized for a perceived lack of a safer, more polished alternative. This high-risk, high-reward strategy has left some experts pondering whether the Bengals can effectively nurture Stewart's potential, given their past struggles in developing talent.

The Cincinnati Bengals made a significant move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick, aiming to revitalize a struggling defense. The choice comes after the retirement of veteran Sam Hubbard and underwhelming performances from recent draft picks like Myles Murphy. Although Stewart is viewed as a project player with high potential, concerns were raised about his college production, particularly his low sack numbers, with only 4.5 sacks over three seasons. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. highlighted the need for immediate impact on the defensive line, and the Bengals are left hoping Stewart can develop into a key player next to Trey Hendrickson, who is in the final year of his contract.