.jpg)
10 hours ago
1
The Cincinnati Bengals did what many expected them to do in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, with the team selecting edge rusher Shemar Stewart with the No. 17 overall pick.
The Bengals had a need there, but Stewart was one of the more risky picks in Round 1. There's no denying his elite physical traits, but Stewart's lack of production in college (4.5 sacks) makes him a major wild card.
Part of the reason the Bengals needed an edge rusher comes from the retirement of Sam Hubbard, but also from the uncertainty surrounding Trey Hendrickson, who is lobbying for a new contract that pays him more money. The Bengals are open to signing him to an extension, but the price point remains an issue.
With the Bengals drafting Stewart, that led many to believe that the next step could be to trade Hendrickson. However, as the great Lee Corso used to say: "Not so fast, my friend."
Related: Shemar Stewart NFL draft grades for Bengals
The Bengals already had a need along the edge, even with Hendrickson on the roster. Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai were the only players on Cincinnati's roster to tally five or more sacks in 2024, and we already mentioned Hubbard's retirement.
After being drafted by the Bengals, Stewart made it clear he's looking forward to playing with the 2024 sacks leader, although it remains to be seen if he'll actually get that chance.
"Big chip on my shoulder. Don't worry, it's gonna stay there," Stewart said to WCPO reporter Caleb Noe. "Me and Trey Hendrickson — he's gonna be my best buddy."
The Bengals have been good with paying their own players this offseason, so it's just unfathomable how they haven't gotten something done with Hendrickson yet. He's so crucial to their 2025 season and trading him away would leave a gaping hole on a defense that is already highly suspect.
Long story short: pay the man, Bengals.
MORE 2025 NFL DRAFT: SN's 7-round mock | Top 250 big board | Expert mock draft roundup
English (US)