Cincinnati Bengals Aug 22, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the helmet of Cincinnati Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony (33) during warmups before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to maximize their window of contention with star quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the offense is lethal year in and year out; however, things on the defensive side of the ball haven’t gone nearly as well.

The franchise is currently in a contract-related stalemate not only with reigning NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson but also with rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart. Now, Stewart is going public with his frustrations with the Bengals.

“I’m 100 percent right. I’m not asking for nothing [the Bengals] have never done before. But in y’all case, y’all just want to win arguments [more] than winning more games,” Stewart said, according to Underdog NFL.

People reacted to Stewart’s statement on social media.

“The Cincinnati Bengals: where the offseason drama is just as consistent as the regular-season heartbreak,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“You’re either incredibly uninformed, or straight up dumb if you think the he’s in the wrong and not the Bengals,” one fan added.

“A ton of talk for a guy with 4.5 career sacks in college more than I do,” one fan said of the rookie.

It’ll be interesting to see if the sides can come to an agreement before the season starts.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.