Bengals Add Run-Stopping Edge Rusher in 2026 NFL Mock Draft

The Cincinnati Bengals front office recently breathed a collective sigh of relief, successfully navigating one significant contract quagmire by securing their first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart, to a long-term deal. This resolution, while crucial for immediate defensive line depth and future planning, merely illuminates an even larger, more pressing issue that continues to cast a long shadow over Paul Brown Stadium: the protracted contract dispute with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. As Hendrickson enters the final year of his current agreement and remains a steadfast holdout from training camp, the unsettling possibility looms that the veteran defensive end may have played his last down in Bengal stripes, forcing the team to consider drastic long-term solutions, even as far out as the 2026 NFL Draft.

Hendrickson's absence is far more than a mere inconvenience; it represents a gaping void in the Bengals' pass rush and overall defensive scheme. His consistent double-digit sack production and relentless motor have been foundational to Cincinnati's defensive identity in recent years, complementing the interior pressure and elevating the performance of those around him. While the team hopes for a swift resolution, the ongoing stalemate underscores the precarious nature of NFL contracts and the leverage star players can wield. The unlikelihood of Hendrickson missing an entire season is tempered by the very real financial and philosophical divide that often characterizes these disputes. Should this worst-case scenario materialize, or even if he eventually returns but signs elsewhere in free agency, the Bengals would be left scrambling to replace an irreplaceable talent, not just in terms of sacks but also the critical pressures that disrupt opposing offenses.

This looming uncertainty naturally forces the Bengals' strategic planners to cast a wide net, extending their gaze far beyond the current season. While immediate solutions might involve internal development or veteran free agent signings, the long-term health of the defensive line, particularly given the ever-escalating cost of elite pass rushers, often points back to the NFL Draft. This hypothetical 2026 mock draft scenario, projecting the Bengals to select a run-stopping edge rusher, speaks volumes about the potential shift in defensive philosophy or, more likely, a proactive measure to address a multi-faceted need. Such a pick would not only serve as a potential heir apparent to Hendrickson but also address a historical vulnerability. While the Bengals have invested heavily in pass rush, shoring up the edges against the run, especially in a division featuring powerful ground games, remains paramount. A versatile edge defender capable of setting a hard edge, shedding blocks, and still contributing to the pass rush would be an invaluable asset, providing stability and balance to the defensive front.

The selection of a "run-stopping edge rusher" in a future draft would signify a calculated move to diversify the defensive line's skillset. While sack numbers often grab headlines, the ability to consistently contain outside runs and force ball carriers back inside to the teeth of the defense is equally crucial for sustained defensive success, particularly in the AFC North. This type of player could complement existing interior linemen and other rotational pass rushers, creating a more robust and adaptable unit. It's a testament to the foresight required in NFL team building, where immediate crises like Hendrickson's holdout necessitate not just short-term fixes but also long-range strategic investments that could define the franchise's defensive identity for years to come. The Bengals are acutely aware that while they've solved one contract puzzle, the biggest piece of their defensive future remains frustratingly out of reach, prompting them to explore every possible avenue to maintain their competitive edge.