-
Ben Baby
Close
Ben Baby
ESPN Staff Writer
- Ben Baby reports on the Cincinnati Bengals for ESPN. He became part of the organization in July 2019. Before joining ESPN, he contributed to several newspapers in Texas, most recently at The Dallas Morning News where he reported on college sports. He offers daily updates on the Bengals for ESPN.com, while also featuring on SportsCenter, various NFL shows on ESPN, and ESPN Radio programs. A Grapevine, Texas native, he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. He also teaches journalism as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University and is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).
-
John Keim
Close
John Keim
ESPN Staff Writer
- John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He started with ESPN in 2013 after a period at the Washington Post. He began following the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and subsequently for the Washington Examiner. He has written or co-written four books. You can also catch him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which is broadcast on ESPN Richmond radio.
This is not the type of scenario that the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders desired to share. Two organizations with Super Bowl ambitions possess a less favorable similarity: Each team has a key player who is currently holding in as they strive for a contract extension. The trajectory of these negotiations could significantly influence the progression of their seasons.
Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin will not participate in tonight’s preseason matchup at Northwest Stadium (8 p.m. ET, ESPN). Both experienced players, who will be 30 years old by the end of September, are seeking new agreements. Instead of attending practice, Hendrickson and McLaurin have been observing from the sidelines during training camp.
«It’s a component of the NFL business, and I don’t criticize it or overreact,» stated Washington coach Dan Quinn. «The more years you accumulate in this profession, the more you realize it’s just part of the game.»
Hendrickson and McLaurin are vital to the success of their respective teams. When they are able to finalize new contracts, they will return to squads with genuine championship aspirations. Even though they won’t be actively participating on the field Monday, they are privately preparing to play whenever the opportunity arises.
«You observe across the league, it’s the case for most teams,» remarked Bengals coach Zac Taylor on Aug. 10. «You keep progressing and ensure everyone is up to speed. When that player returns, irrespective of who it is or how long they’ve been absent, it is always a unique situation.»
Ja’Marr Chase.
However, both are playing under contracts that are outdated and do not accurately reflect their recent performances. Hendrickson’s earnings stand at $16 million this year, which is half of what Houston Texans defensive lineman Danielle Hunter is making, despite being of the same age and achieving comparable results. McLaurin is in the final season of his contract and ranks 17th in terms of average annual salary, according to OverTheCap.com.
When Hendrickson and McLaurin take to the field, their influence is clear. The rapport between McLaurin and quarterback Jayden Daniels has been apparent since early training camp in 2024. They interpret coverages similarly and have developed a strong connection. When Daniels sought a key play, he turned to McLaurin.
This chemistry was on display in a Week 3 Monday night victory against Cincinnati last season. On a crucial third-and-7, Daniels — under pressure — delivered a perfect throw to a closely marked McLaurin down the right flank for a game-winning 27-yard touchdown with just over two minutes to go. It showcased timing, trust, and execution.
Dallas Cowboys (38.0).
«Terry and Jayden had numerous successful plays last year, and the previous year does not carry over,» mentioned receivers coach Bobby Engram, a former NFL receiver for 14 years. «However, the effort you invest can.
Shemar Stewart. Stewart expressed that when Hendrickson observes him during drills, he aims to match the intensity of the veteran, who constantly encourages the rookie to enhance his technique.
«We’re fundamentally different individuals, with distinct body types,» remarked Stewart. «So, he advises me on how he believes I should approach it to make it effective for me.»
What McLaurin, Hendrickson are missing
• Mahomes ready to rebound after SB loss
• The Penix-Pitts connection is on par
• Strategizing locker room seating
At some point, both the Commanders and Bengals are optimistic that their star athletes can take the field to aid them in pursuing championship objectives. Washington is coming off its first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991. The Bengals have not reached the playoffs in two consecutive seasons after making it to the AFC Championship Game in 2021 and 2022, with the earlier season concluding in a Super Bowl defeat.
McLaurin remarked in mid-July, just a week prior to the start of camp, that his performance would remain consistent.
«They believe in me and understand that I’ve been putting in the effort,» he stated. «Whenever my moment comes to take the field, I will continue to be who I am and strive to improve.»
Cincinnati defensive end Joseph Ossai is confident that there won’t be any decline when Hendrickson returns.
«There’s a heightened intensity when he’s on the field, and I anticipate him to quickly adapt,» Ossai stated. «I expect him to come back aggressively and make his presence felt right away.»
However, it’s not always straightforward, even for a star. As the Commanders and Bengals prepare for a «dress rehearsal» game Monday night before the official season kicks off, the absence of Hendrickson and McLaurin will be noticeable.
«It’s easy to claim it doesn’t affect anything, but every team would agree that they want their star players present in some capacity,» Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson mentioned. «I’m pleased [Hendrickson] is at least holding in rather than holding out. Would we prefer him out on the field? Absolutely. But he’s focusing on the business aspect of things. That’s part of being in this league.»
