Contract Disputes Sideline Key Players for Bengals and Commanders, Threatening Championship Aspirations
As the NFL season approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders find themselves united by an unwelcome commonality: both teams are navigating contract disputes with pivotal players, casting a shadow over their Super Bowl ambitions. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals and wide receiver Terry McLaurin of the Commanders will both miss tonight’s preseason game against each other at Northwest Stadium (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) as they continue to seek new deals.
The hold-ins of both veterans, each nearing their 30th birthday by the end of September, highlight the delicate balance between player value and team finances. Instead of participating in training camp practices, Hendrickson and McLaurin have been relegated to spectator roles, a situation that coaches acknowledge as an inevitable part of professional football. “It’s part of the business of the NFL and I don’t judge it or get too worked up about it,” said a Washington coach on August 18, 2025. “The longer you’ve been in it, the more you recognize that’s just part of how things go.”
Hendrickson and McLaurin are not merely talented players; they are cornerstones of their respective teams’ success. Securing their futures with new contracts is crucial if both the Bengals and Commanders hope to contend for championships. Despite their absence from the field, both players are reportedly maintaining their conditioning in preparation for their eventual return.
A Bengals coach noted on August 10th that managing these situations is commonplace across the league. “You keep the train moving and make sure everybody is up to speed. When you get that player back, whoever it is, however long they’ve been here, it’s always different.” The challenge lies in reintegrating these stars seamlessly into team dynamics and ensuring minimal disruption to established chemistry.
McLaurin, a beloved figure in Washington, is particularly vital to the Commanders’ offensive attack. However, his contract situation remains unresolved. Hendrickson and McLaurin both began training camp by not reporting with their teammates, officially classifying them as holdouts. Hendrickson is coming off a career year, leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks, earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection, and receiving his first All-Pro nod. McLaurin, meanwhile, secured his second Pro Bowl berth, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth consecutive season, and finishing second in the league with 13 receiving touchdowns, trailing only Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase.
The core issue is that their current contracts no longer reflect their on-field production. Hendrickson currently earns $16 million annually, half of what Houston Texans defensive lineman Danielle Hunter receives despite comparable age and performance. McLaurin’s average annual salary ranks 17th among receivers, according to data from OverTheCap.com, a clear indication of his undervalued status.
The impact of both players is undeniable. The connection between McLaurin and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was evident throughout the 2024 training camp, demonstrating a shared understanding of coverages and a seamless synchronization. This synergy was on full display during a Week 3 Monday night victory over Cincinnati, where Daniels delivered a 27-yard touchdown pass to a tightly covered McLaurin with just over two minutes remaining, sealing the win.
However, maintaining that connection during McLaurin’s absence is a concern. McLaurin had been on the physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury sustained late last season, limiting his participation to rehabilitation and team meetings. Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury acknowledged the need for time on task, stating, “It’s just time on task, and luckily they had last year to build a lot of rapport and chemistry…But it’s time on task together on the grass is really the only way that you can continue to build.” McLaurin’s activation from the PUP list on Saturday signals a step towards regaining game shape.
The Commanders’ offensive scheme, which featured an NFL-high 677 no-huddle plays in 2024, further emphasizes the importance of timing and synchronization. According to ESPN Research, Washington averaged 38.3 seconds of Wall Clock Time per Play, second fastest in the NFL. Receivers coach Bobby Engram emphasized that past success doesn’t guarantee future results, stating, “Terry and Jayden made a lot of plays last year and last year doesn’t carry over…But the work you put in can.”
The Bengals face a similar challenge with Hendrickson. Despite the contract dispute, Hendrickson has maintained his commitment to preparation, working out diligently before returning to Cincinnati on July 30th. He expressed confidence in his readiness, stating in July, “How I train, I’m not worried about if I’m going to be ready…Hopefully everything works out [so] you don’t have to worry about anything like that.” Hendrickson has also been actively mentoring younger defensive linemen, including rookie first-rounder Shemar Stewart, sharing his expertise and refining their techniques. Stewart noted that Hendrickson pushes him to match his intensity, helping him to improve his skills.
Cincinnati has recent experience navigating a similar situation, as receiver Ja’Marr Chase held in during all of training camp last year. While his start to the regular season was slow, he ultimately finished with a “triple crown,” leading the league in receiving yards (1,708), touchdowns (17), and catches (127).
Ultimately, both the Commanders and Bengals are optimistic that these contract situations will be resolved, allowing their star players to contribute to their championship aspirations. Washington is coming off its first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991, while the Bengals aim to rebound from two consecutive playoff misses after reaching the AFC Championship Game in 2021 and 2022. McLaurin remains steadfast in his commitment to performance, stating in mid-July, “They trust and know I’ve been putting the work in…Whenever it’s my time to step on the field I’m going to continue to be who I’ve been and continue to get better.” A Bengals defensive end believes Hendrickson will make an immediate impact upon his return, stating, “There’s a different ferocity when he’s on the field, and I expect him to hit the ground running.”
However, even star players require time to regain their rhythm. As the Commanders and Bengals prepare for Monday night’s “dress rehearsal” game, the absence of Hendrickson and McLaurin will be keenly felt. A Bengals linebacker acknowledged the impact, stating, “You can always say it doesn’t have an impact, but I think any team would always say, you want your star players out there in some form or fashion…I’m glad [Hendrickson] is at least holding in versus holding out. Would we like him out in the field? Absolutely. But he’s working on the business side of things. That’s part of playing in this league.”
