Shemar Stewart, the first-round rookie, wants improved language in his first NFL deal. Right now, the Bengals are looking at a toothless defense unless some resolutions are reached. ESPN's Ben Solak explains, though, that Stewart's situation is hinging a lot on Hendrickson. Here's Solak's thinking:

Unsigned Cincinnati Bengals draft pick Shemar Stewart is "believed to be keeping all options open" amid stalled NFL contract negotiations, according to Mark Maske, Nicki Jhabvala and Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post.

So far, it has been somewhat easy to wave off the contract standoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar Stewart.