2025 Minicamp

[HoosierCat]

The mandatory minicamp is upon us, which means three days worth of  breathless stories about Trey Hendrickson being absent and how the Bengals are cheap, incompetent, suck, etc. Ahead of that, I would like to present this totally unrelated story that you might not have heard about:

Quote

Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt is not attending this week's mandatory minicamp amid his pursuit of a new contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Watt, who is entering the final year of his current contract with the Steelers, also skipped voluntary OTA's earlier this offseason as he attempted to negotiate a new deal.

If he misses all three days of minicamp, Watt would be subject to nearly $105,000 in fines.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45484696/tj-watt-not-attending-steelers-mandatory-minicamp-sources-say

Yup, $28 million ain't enough for Watt, either.

[ArmyBengal]

$28m shouldn't be enough for Watt.  His production throughout his career has been next level.
Model of Pro Bowl and All Pro consistency, along with not only winning the DPoY, but always in the mix each season.
His stats are ungodly and he is just a beast of a football player that regardless of the team, you have to appreciate from a pure fan perspective.
If he played in Cincinnati, he would be everyone's favorite player.  Much respect to his game.

The fact outlets only have him projected to make only about $6-$7m more than Trey per year is crazy.
If Trey is worthy of something between $30m and $35m, Watt is worthy of north of $40m.
I hate that he plays for the Steelers, but he's an animal.

[HoosierCat]

Oh, Watt is a better player but he’s been paid like one, too. That 28 is the final installment of his rookie extension, a four-year, $112 million jackpot. Trey can only dream of those numbers.

[HoosierCat]

Hobs with the roster rundown.

https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-roster-2025-mandatory-minicamp

Today’s fun fact:

Quote

In the second week of this season, Sample will play in his 80th career game, one more than C.J. Uzomah played in his Bengals career. Only Reggie Kelly, with 106, played more Bengals games at tight end in this century.

You can’t stop the Sample!

Some other tidbits: Hill still in a boot, though “not for long,” Hobs claims.

Seth McLaughlin still rehabbing the Achilles. I agree with Goodberry that stashing him on IR might be the best option there.

Dax Hill not expected to work in minicamp, still rehabbing the acl. Expected back “sometime” in camp so that bears watching.

Going to be quite a scrum for that fifth LB spot.

Battle of the long snappers confirmed.

 

 

[ArmyBengal]

27 minutes ago, HoosierCat said:

Oh, Watt is a better player but he’s been paid like one, too. That 28 is the final installment of his rookie extension, a four-year, $112 million jackpot. Trey can only dream of those numbers.

Yeah, when looking at how they have been compensated, it's tells the story.
Trey's less than $70m in his career, where Watt is at like $110m.

[ArmyBengal]

Well, the Cardinals just signed their 1st round pick (Nolen) who was picked just before the Bengals took Stewart.
It should be interesting to see his contract makeup and hear what the Bengals do at that point.
Maybe the silly ass Tomfuckery can come to an end.

[AMPHAR]

Bengals automatically get better at RT with no Watt.   Yeah.   Interesting situation up in Pitt.   They've successfully found/replaced the edge rush LB for about 30 years.   Noticeable difference when Watt is out but he is also aging.   They are due for about 10 years of draft busts at that spot. 

 

 

 

[HoosierCat]

Stewart situation getting ugly.

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/06/10/shemar-stewart-contract-dispute-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-minicamp/84136526007/

Quote

Stewart said he “can’t say what (he) really wants to say” when asked if the team has given him any reasoning for the sudden change in language. He doubled down on his stance saying he’s “100 percent right” before taking a shot at the Bengals’ front office.

"I'm not asking for nothing y’all (the team) has never done before,” Stewart said. “But in y’all (the team’s) case, y'all (the team) just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games."

Also:

https://www.wlwt.com/article/shemar-stewart-cincinnati-bengals-rookie-contract-minicamp/65025985

Quote

"I can't say what I really want to say,” Stewart said. “It is ‘their' contract. They can do what they want with it."

Finally:

https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/bengals-first-round-pick-shemar-stewart-says-he-has-support-of-stars-in-locker-room-as-he-fights-contract-clause-01jxdmcf21dd

Quote

And Stewart said he’s been emboldened in his stance by his new teammates, including the ones that have the biggest voices and paychecks.

“It's made it very easy when the people in here, in the locker room, say ‘you're doing the right things,’ especially the star players,” Stewart said.

I will say that I do appreciate the FO catering to us jaded old fans with a classic first round draft pick holdout. Thanks Troy, thanks Katie and, of course, FU Mike Brown. Anyone want to go in on a MIKE BROWN STEP DOWN plane banner?

[ArmyBengal]

Anyone want to step to the plate to defend the front office?

I just need to know who to point at and laugh....

[Allentown21]

1 hour ago, ArmyBengal said:

Anyone want to step to the plate to defend the front office?

I just need to know who to point at and laugh....

It's frustrating but it's still early posturing. Which is just business....

 

I wouldn't be worried until week 1 

[TJJackson]

32 minutes ago, Allentown21 said:

I wouldn't be worried until week 1 

rookies need practice reps

so I am worried N O W

[HoosierCat]

Accurate…

 

[Stripes]

Burrow and Chase will drag the team to the playoffs, and the front office will interpret that as “see? We were right about everything. Change nothing.”

[ArmyBengal]

The team, not the media, has noted their desire to develop Stewart’s immense athletic ability and see him not only get pressure, but get home.

You cant do any of that when you are busy creating new rules to impose on someone that isn’t a part of the team yet. How fucking stupid is that?  We aren’t talking about a veteran player under contract. It’s a rookie who still isn’t even employed by the team.

This is making up shit as you go just for the sake of it. It’s already a rookie deal that favors ownership. They paid Chase like 4 million last year and they are worried about saving money for a rookie?

Seriously, get the fuck out of here.

[ArmyBengal]

2 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

Accurate…

 

Perfect

[AMPHAR]

This board, lol.    OMG don't let them make the playoffs.   It might suggest they know what they are doing.   I can't believe someone typed that to be read.   WTF? 

Emotional.   Just NFL business.   

 

[AMPHAR]

16 hours ago, ArmyBengal said:

Anyone want to step to the plate to defend the front office?

I just need to know who to point at and laugh....

I don't think the front office is wrong.  I won't think they are right either IF it moves into July.    I think they are justified in asking for the clause given what I've read.    What were your thoughts on Jackson Carmen's sex assault charges?  I bet you'd think he should have a clause after you found out about it.    What have been your thoughts on Watson and Tucker?   None of those involved any criminal charges but could have effected their ability to play in the NFL because Goodell loves to play investigator.    Whole bunch of Bengal fans wanted Burton cut.   

The team is automatically in the wrong because Shemar's team says so?   Every time an off the field incident happens the first response from message board fans seems to be "Get him off the team".   Well this clause would help do exactly that.    So are you pro player or pro front office? 

Then I think Shemar is 100% in the wrong for not being on the field when other rookies without contracts were prior to mandatory.  I do question his willingness to compete for a job.  Although I wasn't excited about the pick in the first place and also think he's in for fight for snaps the entire year even if he was on the field.       Sure he doesn't like the clause holding him accountable.  Fine.  But other rookie players were on the field prior to mandatory.  I think its fair to question the motive of the agent too. 

So why would you automatically point an laugh at those rebuttals?   Personally I think there is enough shit heads that are good at football and you have a jackass union protecting their right to be apart of the league  the Teams are well within their right to protect the money they are handing out.   If the player is pissed that he individually is painted with the same brush as "bad" apple look at your union.   But that's just me. 

 

 

 

[HoosierCat]

Interesting bit from Hobs today:

Quote

Running back Chase Brown likes how offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher and Taylor have tweaked the running game this spring. With new offensive line coach Scott Peters sharpening double-team blocks, there's a whiff of familiarity coming downrange for Brown.

"It's exactly how I ran it at Illinois. It will be awesome," Brown said after Tuesday's practice. "We're going to be a more downhill team this year. Eliminate some negative plays. Keep ahead of the chains. That's what matters in this league. Staying ahead of schedule. It's extremely important and I think it's going to help us a lot."

The Bengals moved on from their run-game coordinator of the last few seasons, former offensive line coach Frank Pollack, and it sounds as if Taylor and Pitcher have been at the blackboard. A downhill game usually denotes safer, quick hitters designed for between the tackles.

"Being more downhill lowers the possibility of a negative yardage play. That's kind of our mindset as a run unit this year," Brown said. "Those quick hitters can be big plays when you make guys miss."

Given how they always seem to be optimizing the line for pass protection, it will be interesting to see how well this goes.

[ArmyBengal]

2 hours ago, AMPHAR said:

I don't think the front office is wrong.  I won't think they are right either IF it moves into July.    I think they are justified in asking for the clause given what I've read.    What were your thoughts on Jackson Carmen's sex assault charges?  I bet you'd think he should have a clause after you found out about it.    What have been your thoughts on Watson and Tucker?   None of those involved any criminal charges but could have effected their ability to play in the NFL because Goodell loves to play investigator.    Whole bunch of Bengal fans wanted Burton cut.   

The team is automatically in the wrong because Shemar's team says so?   Every time an off the field incident happens the first response from message board fans seems to be "Get him off the team".   Well this clause would help do exactly that.    So are you pro player or pro front office? 

Then I think Shemar is 100% in the wrong for not being on the field when other rookies without contracts were prior to mandatory.  I do question his willingness to compete for a job.  Although I wasn't excited about the pick in the first place and also think he's in for fight for snaps the entire year even if he was on the field.       Sure he doesn't like the clause holding him accountable.  Fine.  But other rookie players were on the field prior to mandatory.  I think its fair to question the motive of the agent too. 

So why would you automatically point an laugh at those rebuttals?   Personally I think there is enough shit heads that are good at football and you have a jackass union protecting their right to be apart of the league  the Teams are well within their right to protect the money they are handing out.   If the player is pissed that he individually is painted with the same brush as "bad" apple look at your union.   But that's just me. 

What will make it wrong in waiting 2 weeks?  If it's wrong in 2 weeks, it's wrong now.  The defense is on the field now.
I could understand it if there was something in Stewart's past which would concern the team, like was the case with Carman.  
However, that's not the case.  There was a solution to that problem if there was a concern...  Don't draft him.

The team isn't wrong because Stewart says so.  They are wrong for creating something out of thin air when it's not necessary.
Because they want to void remaining guarantees "if" Stewart fucks something up?  They are basing this on a "what if"?
We are talking about a 4 year contract for less than $20m WITH a 5th year club option.  Not a $30m per season deal.
The other rookies on the field already either don't have that clause in their deal or won't.  If they try to push it, I bet they push back.

Am I losing sleep over it?  Of course not.  It makes no difference in my life in the least.  That doesn't make it NOT stupid.

Honestly, the team has continued to put themselves in this position by drafting guys like this they know have questions.
How about you just don't do that if the questions are that damn concerning the guy you just drafted doesn't even get on the field?
It's not like there weren't at least 5 other players available that could have had an equal impact on the roster than Stewart.

Also, it's not like this precludes them from restructuring that players deal either.  They just did that with Volson.
They are concerned about "what if" they lose "some" money in the future "if" the player fucks up, but they can't manage another $5m per year to keep Trey?
Again, make that make sense.  We are talking about less than $5m per year for Stewart.  What the hell are they so worried about losing?

EDIT:  This clause will keep money in their pocket.  I'm not opposed to that, but to what end?
I'm not exactly pro player or pro owner.  I'm pro "not stupid".  There is a little on both sides, but the team didn't have to do this.

Yeah, pointing and laughing.
 

 

[AMPHAR]

I remain skeptical about any magic transformation of the run game.   I think its important to scheme things to your players strengths of course.   I think dedicating reps in practice, preseason are more important.   I think the week to week game planning is most important.   Not impossible to transform your identity buts its hard.  Patriots under BB were great at it.    IMO, Burrow AND Zac have a little Dan Marino bug in them when it comes to the running game.     Two HOF coaches with Marino could never get the running game going with him.  

But protecting the passer will always remain the top priority so I just think they'll spend more time doing that vs. getting pad level low and removing people from LOS.  It shows.

[AMPHAR]

1 hour ago, ArmyBengal said:

What will make it wrong in waiting 2 weeks?  If it's wrong in 2 weeks, it's wrong now.  The defense is on the field now.
I could understand it if there was something in Stewart's past which would concern the team, like was the case with Carman.  
However, that's not the case.  There was a solution to that problem if there was a concern...  Don't draft him.

The team isn't wrong because Stewart says so.  They are wrong for creating something out of thin air when it's not necessary.
Because they want to void remaining guarantees "if" Stewart fucks something up?  They are basing this on a "what if"?
We are talking about a 4 year contract for less than $20m WITH a 5th year club option.  Not a $30m per season deal.
The other rookies on the field already either don't have that clause in their deal or won't.  If they try to push it, I bet they push back.

Am I losing sleep over it?  Of course not.  It makes no difference in my life in the least.  That doesn't make it NOT stupid.

Honestly, the team has continued to put themselves in this position by drafting guys like this they know have questions.
How about you just don't do that if the questions are that damn concerning the guy you just drafted doesn't even get on the field?
It's not like there weren't at least 5 other players available that could have had an equal impact on the roster than Stewart.

Also, it's not like precludes them from restructuring that players deal either.  They just did that with Volson.
They are concerned about "what if" they lose "some" money in the future "if" the player fucks up, but they can't manage another $5m per year to keep Trey?
Again, make that make sense.  We are talking about less than $5m per year for Stewart.  What the hell are they so worried about losing?

EDIT:  This clause will keep money in their pocket.  I'm not opposed to that, but to what end?
I'm not exactly pro player or pro owner.  I'm pro "not stupid".  There is a little on both sides, but the team didn't have to do this.

Yeah, pointing and laughing.
 

 

 

 1st - Defense on field last week.  Shemar's refusal to sign an injury wavier and not practice has nothing to do with the clause.  Multiple rookies practiced without contracts.  I think the agent and player were 100% wrong in that.   I think it shows the agent maybe putting his business ahead of Shemar's reputation.

2nd - I don't think anything is being lost with these missed reps.  If you believe this has any effect on the locker room / winning/losing.  You are being trolled.   I think Shemar Stewart could sit out an entire season and not be missed.   I didn't really love the draft pick at the time.   Had to do a bunch of research to figure out.     If this goes long you really have to start to question his personal pride.  Does he have it to succeed at the NFL level?    How can a player with any pride get shit on so much for having 1.5 sacks, in his mind drop in the draft, and let an agent use him and miss important time?   I don't think he will and he'll get plenty of reps and all this hub bub will be proven as click bait. 

3rd - You are wrong about it being out of thin air.  Teams have attempted these clauses over several years with rookies.  Some successful, some not.  Go research.  The ones that accept it aren't advertised as much as the agencies that fight them.  Why?  My guess is that the agents wants to protect their rep for future clients.   Bengals have attempted it in the past.   Myles Murphy practiced on a rookie wavier then came to an agreement without the clause. 

The Bengals may have even gotten it in deals.  You'll never know because those players prioritize getting the reps and don't fuss about it.   

4th - Like it or not the Bengals will ALWAYS be 100% justified for demanding that clause under the current environment.   How many times to you need to witness Goodell using the NFL office sorward to invoke punishment for things that weren't criminally involved?  

Justin Tucker.  One of the more popular players in Baltimore.  Very community involved.  Accused of rub and tugs.  Has denied it.  No criminal charges.  Team cuts him.   I don't care how anyone feels over the Watson/Tucker or any other situation.   The fact that these situations are not rarities anymore justify the clause.  

If you are against Shemar Stewart being forced to deny the clause then don't stand on your morality soap box and preach about them being cut either.   I say get prevent the bad actors from entering.  Then get them out fast.   But you got a union that protects them.  Thus you have clauses that protect the team. 

NFL business.   Not worth consuming opinion trying to equate a contract dispute to overall winning/losing, IMO. 

5th - How many of the hot take generators shit on mock drafts choosing Shemar?  How many after the pick?  How many are now telling you the front office is evil because he's not practicing?   Just seems to me they go with whatever generates clicks. 

[COB]

Paul Dehner just wrote a brutal takedown of our FO and their never-ending bickering with players.  I don’t consider Paul Dehner a troll.  He writes for the Enquirer and the Athletic.  He falls more in the category of respected sports writer.  No one is being trolled or led astray here.  Reality is what it is.  

[Stripes]

4 hours ago, AMPHAR said:

This board, lol.    OMG don't let them make the playoffs.   It might suggest they know what they are doing.   I can't believe someone typed that to be read.   WTF? 

Emotional.   Just NFL business.   

 

Yeah, that’s what I said.

Moron.

[HoosierCat]

Trading camp sked is out. Camp starts June 23, wraps Aug. 10.

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/6/11/24447431/2025-bengals-training-camp-dates

[ArmyBengal]

The injury waiver is another example of where one might fall in the pro owner, pro player debate.

The injury waiver simply allows the team to place the player on IR and it ensures the players will get medical care.
It does not guarantee pay or anything else from a contractual standpoint.

I'm also not going to compare what other players are or have gone through regarding their stupid decisions. Tucker/Watson
Stewart, regardless of my lukewarm thoughts on him, doesn't have those concerns.

Again, we are talking relative pocket change in NFL money, as opposed to negotiating an extension for Trey.
Stewart won't cost $5 million per season while he's here.  That's why teams don't typically cut rookies.
They don't count for much against the cap.