Ranking Shemar Stewart: The Biggest Contract Blunders of the 2025 NFL Offseason

Not every contract negotiation should be seen as a crisis, even if it leads to a training camp holdout. Take the Washington Commanders and their wide receiver Terry McLaurin. They haven’t yet extended his contract, which has created some public friction.

McLaurin will turn 30 in September, so his market value isn’t at its peak. While it’s important for Washington to secure his contract, they shouldn’t feel pressure just because of deals like Garrett Wilson’s four-year, $130 million extension.

On the other hand, the Cincinnati Bengals face a different situation with Trey Hendrickson. At 30, he is the reigning NFL sacks leader and has likely increased his market value recently. While he may not hit the highest edge-rusher contracts, he certainly deserves more than the $21 million he’s currently set to earn. This expectation has only grown after elite players like T.J. Watt reset the market with a staggering $41 million deal.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Bengals have made several offers to Hendrickson, including a recent one. There’s a chance they can finalize a deal soon, but waiting this long may end up costing them millions.

Interestingly, recent trends in player contracts highlight how negotiations can change rapidly based on performance and market dynamics. Understanding these factors can help teams strategize better in contract talks.

As fans, it’s worth watching how these negotiations unfold, as they don’t just affect the players but also the direction of the teams involved. Staying informed about player contracts can deepen our appreciation of the game and its business side. For more on player contracts and NFL news, check out resources like Spotrac for updated statistics and contract details.

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