The Cincinnati Bengals can write a book on what not to do with your top assets, and there's no end to the drama in sight. After mishandling the contract situation of All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals now find themselves in a sticky contract dilemma with first-round pick Shemar Stewart... and Pittsburgh Steelers fans can't help but sit back and laugh at their misery.
On Tuesday, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that Stewart remains sidelined as Phase 2 of offseason workouts begin, due to a disagreement over contract language on his rookie deal. Stewart was the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and on a defense that grossly lacks talent, he's going to be asked to play a big role right away.
This comes just a week after the Bengals gave the Steelers a valuable lesson in what not to do with T.J. Watt's contract situation. Hendrickson, who has racked up 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons, isn't pleased with the offer that's on the table as Cincinnati's front office tries to cut corners.
Now, not only is Hendrickson poised for a holdout, but the franchise is beginning its relationship on the wrong foot. The Bengals' decision to draft Stewart came just months after long-time starting defensive end Sam Hubbard retired during the 2025 offseason. Hubbard previously made 88 starts in as many games played since 2019.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should be taking notes on what not to do from their division rivals
There isn't much going on in the NFL this time of year, so any drama surrounding the Bengals, Browns, or Ravens is always entertaining for Pittsburgh Steelers fans. But we know how much this would sting if the roles were reversed. That's why general manager Omar Khan and the front office must be taking notes.
T.J. Watt, who has been the most productive pass rusher since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2017, is awaiting a new deal, and you can guarantee that the pricetag will be steep. While there are some reservations about paying Watt for his past production (rather than the player the Steelers will be getting in his thirties), the price is the price.
Because the Cleveland Browns beat the Steelers to the punch with Myles Garrett's record-setting contract extension, we've got a great idea of how much the Steelers will be required to pay Watt. But instead of trying to drag this thing out and save a few bucks, Pittsburgh would be wise to pull the trigger as soon as possible and jump ahead of the Dallas Cowboys before Micah Parsons gets paid.
The last thing we want to do is see T.J. Watt bashing the organization and the two sides extremely far apart in a heated contract dispute. Watt is going to go down as one of the best defenders in Pittsburgh Steelers history, and we know that ownership doesn't want him playing anywhere else.
The time is coming soon when the Steelers could find themselves in a sticky situation with their best defensive player, but let's hope they handle things better than the Cincinnati Bengals have with Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart.