Trey Hendrickson demands a new contract before training camp

In the United States, the start of NFL training camp commenced on July 22, 2025, with teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, and Washington Commanders attending their practices. Amid the excitement of the new season, player holdouts have surfaced as significant issues, notably affecting teams’ preparations for the upcoming campaign. Cincinnati Bengals' pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson announced he would not attend training camp due to unresolved contract negotiations. Hendrickson has been a standout player for the Bengals, leading the NFL with 35 sacks over the past two seasons. He is pushing for a long-term deal after outplaying his current contract. However, concerns loom around his age, as the Bengals have historically been hesitant to provide long-term agreements for aging players, putting both sides in a complicated negotiation. Additionally, Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin has expressed frustration over his contract situation, having also missed minicamp and the first day of training camp. Despite this, he desires to stay with the team and not be traded, yet the lack of a new deal could lead to uncertainties in his future with the franchise. Negotiations are complex and often drawn out, particularly for players with long-term aspirations; both Hendrickson and McLaurin have become focal points in their respective teams' strategies as they push for favorable contract conditions. Alongside them, the Bengals also face hurdles with rookie player Adam Stewart, who has threatened to sit out his rookie season if his demands for a competitive contract package are not met. Stewart's contract offer reportedly does not align with industry standards for first-round draft picks, further complicating Cincinnati's position as they attempt to secure all their key players for the season. Looking across the league, other teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for crucial training challenges as they prepare to contend for playoff positions. With the recent changes in coaching staff and quarterback injuries impacting team dynamics, the upcoming training camps will be crucial in determining the readiness of each organization. The focus remains on player health and performance as they head into a competitive season with goals of playoff contention firmly set. As teams like the San Francisco 49ers address roster gaps and injuries from previous seasons, they too will need to adapt and innovate in order to keep pace with dominant rivals such as the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.