Burrow’s Frustration: Why the Bengals’ Contract Issues Are Disappointing Fans

CINCINNATI — For quarterback Joe Burrow, it would be ideal if all contract issues were settled before training camp kicks off. Unfortunately, that’s not the case this year.

As the Bengals took the field, two significant players were absent. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson is away negotiating a long-term deal, and rookie Shemar Stewart is still unsigned.

“It’s obviously disappointing,” Burrow said about missing teammates. “You want everyone there from Day 1 to build that team chemistry.” He knows, however, that the NFL is all about making tough business calls.

Burrow has stayed in touch with Hendrickson, who had a standout season as last year’s sack leader. Bengals coach Zac Taylor, although mum on specifics, indicated he anticipated this situation with Hendrickson.

Earlier this week, Bengals president Mike Brown mentioned that an offer had been made to Hendrickson, indicating he deserves a raise. However, Hendrickson surprised many by revealing that the team was unwilling to guarantee money beyond the first year, unlike contracts for other top pass rushers lately.

Burrow expressed understanding for both Hendrickson’s and Stewart’s positions. “Everyone knows it’s a cutthroat business,” he said. “You have to fight for what you believe you deserve.” When asked if the negotiations could be handled with more urgency, Burrow agreed.

“The sooner you settle these things, the better for everyone,” he added.

Interestingly, training camp began without Hendrickson and Stewart affecting the practice. The remaining defense held its own against the starting offense, supporting Taylor’s view that the negotiations haven’t distracted the team. “The guys in the locker room just want to focus on their work,” he said.

Looking at the bigger picture, contract negotiations like these are common across all levels of sports. A 2022 survey revealed that 65% of NFL players felt financial security was their main concern, showing how critical these discussions are for the athletes. With the stakes this high, it’s clear why athletes like Hendrickson are adamant about their contracts.

In today’s NFL, the pressure surrounding contracts can be intense. Fans often take to social media to express their opinions on holdouts. A trending topic this week was #PayHendrickson, reflecting fan support for his negotiation stance. Social media has become a platform where players gauge public sentiment, adding another layer to the negotiation process.

As Burrow and his teammates push forward in training camp, the hope remains that these contract issues will soon be resolved, allowing everyone to focus on the game ahead.

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