Bengals called out for surprising biggest remaining need before camp

When one thinks of remaining needs for the Cincinnati Bengals, the offensive line takes center stage after a generally agreed-upon underwhelming showing there this offseason.

But need is a tricky word, as one could easily suggest the Bengals need pass-rushers to help the rebuilding defense, given the pesky holdouts of first-round pick Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson.

That’s the route Josh Edwards of CBS Sports takes when outlining every biggest remaining need for all 32 teams:

“Cincinnati selected Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart with its first-round choice, which many presumed would check off a need for the organization. Stewart and veteran Trey Hendrickson have held out of all team activities to this point. Both joining the fold would alleviate concerns about the position.”

Right now, the Bengals still fixing both issues seems likely. There’s a spat over contractual language with Stewart that should eventually end in a compromise. And there’s an impasse on length and/or guarantees in Hendrickson’s extension that, likewise, should see a compromise soon.

The sooner the better with training camp looming, of course. But Stewart and Hendrickson should eventually be in camp and on the field next season.

As for a spot like guard, the Bengals are leaving it to a journeyman like Lucas Patrick, a rookie like Dylan Fairchild and/or a pseudo backup like Cody Ford. Unlike already rostering Hendrickson and Stewart, there’s no viable alternative left on the open market or otherwise.