Will Shemar Stewart Affect Trey Hendrickson’s Future?

The Cincinnati Bengals used their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to take Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart. But just minutes after the pick, head coach Zac Taylor wanted to make one thing clear: this move wasn’t about Trey Hendrickson.

“This is not a story about anybody else,” Taylor said Thursday night after the Bengals selected Stewart 17th overall.

Still, it’s hard to ignore Hendrickson’s role in all this. He’s coming off a dominant season and is currently in a contract dispute, which leaves his long-term future in Cincinnati uncertain. Stewart might be part of the future, but Hendrickson remains a key piece of the present.

Hendrickson Still Has a Lot to Offer

Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season and has quietly become one of the league’s most feared pass rushers. His presence doesn’t just help on the field — it also gives a young player like Stewart someone to learn from.

“I’m going to come in there and work my tail off,” Stewart said after being drafted. “Me and Trey Hendrickson — he’s going to become my best buddy because I’m going to be under his tail.”

A Chance to Learn From the Best

Learning behind a veteran like Hendrickson is a good opportunity for Stewart, who had just 4.5 sacks during three years at Texas A&M. Some fans questioned whether Stewart was the right pick because of those numbers, but the 21-year-old from Miami says he’s ready to improve.

He mentioned missing fewer tackles, trusting his speed, and refining his pass-rush technique. Like Hendrickson, he relies on power, and he believes that can translate well to the NFL.

“You had the leading sack rusher this year, and all he did was power,” Stewart said. “It translates pretty seamlessly as long as I get the technique down.”

Value Beyond the Stats

Hendrickson’s value isn’t just about sacks — it’s also about leadership and work ethic. Bengals defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson, a former teammate of Stewart’s at Texas A&M, praised Hendrickson’s presence in the locker room.

“I’ve seen him come in here every day, put the work in, be productive and just hold guys to a high standard,” Jackson said. “Trey’s a tough nail. He’s going to hold you accountable. And I love it. I love the juice he brings to this team.”

Still No Trade — And That’s Telling

So far, the Bengals haven’t traded Hendrickson, which could be a sign they still value him highly. Most teams have already filled their pass rush needs through free agency or the draft, and Hendrickson will be 31 in December. That makes trading him less likely — and may give Cincinnati more leverage.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said last month there’s been no change in Hendrickson’s situation.

“He has been incredibly productive, and I’m glad he’s here,” Tobin said. “I don’t have any new information on what the future holds for him. He’s a guy that I have a ton of respect for and regard for and a ton of value for”

How the Bengals Could Pay Him

Hendrickson is due $15.8 million in base salary for 2025. The Bengals could free up money by moving on from veterans. Linebacker Germaine Pratt is earning $5.3 million and could be replaced by second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. Third-round pick Dylan Fairchild could also step in at left guard, where Cordell Volson is set to make $3.7 million.

Those moves could give the Bengals enough space to bump Hendrickson’s pay — and keep him happy heading into 2025.

What Comes Next?

The Bengals’ offseason has been full of big decisions, and most of them are now in the past. But Hendrickson’s future still hangs in the air. Whether the team works out a new deal, makes a trade, or rides things out, one thing is clear: the final chapter of the Bengals’ offseason hasn’t been written yet.

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This report used information from ESPN.