Tag: Shemar Stewart

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart was noticeably absent from rookie training camp on Saturday, making headlines as the only first-round draft pick yet to sign his rookie contract. Selected 17th overall out of Texas A&M, Stewart’s holdout stems from unresolved contract issues, setting him apart from the rest of the rookie class that reported on time.

Dispute Over Guarantee Language and Bonus Structure Delays Stewart’s Rookie Contract Agreement

The main point of contention is language in Stewart’s contract that could void his guaranteed money. Due to this dispute, Stewart skipped all offseason activities. Before Saturday, both Stewart and second-round pick Demetrius Knight had yet to sign, but Knight finalized his deal just ahead of camp, further highlighting Stewart’s ongoing contractual issues.

A significant sticking point appears to be the structure of Stewart’s signing bonus. Knight, who received $3.2 million in bonus money, reportedly had a larger percentage paid upfront than what was offered to Stewart. Stewart’s projected bonus is $10.4 million, and the disagreement over payout terms has contributed to the delay in finalizing his deal.

Stewart Unlikely to Return to College Amid Contract Standoff With Bengals Ongoing

Despite the contract impasse, Stewart has no plans to return to college football. Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko stated earlier in the week that Stewart does not intend to rejoin the Aggies. Under current NFL rules, Cincinnati retains Stewart’s rights until next year’s draft. A return to college would require legal action against the NCAA to restore his eligibility.

While Stewart’s absence remains unresolved, the rest of the Bengals’ squad is moving forward. The team’s veterans are scheduled to report to training camp on Tuesday, just one day before official camp activities begin in downtown Cincinnati. Stewart’s continued absence adds uncertainty to the Bengals’ preseason preparations.

Player holdouts in professional sports are often mischaracterized as greedy athletes demanding more than they deserve. However, this framing overlooks a more nuanced reality: players are frequently standing their ground for fair treatment and rightful compensation. The suggestion that they are the aggressors masks a deeper issue where teams exert undue pressure, shifting the blame away from organizational failures.

Bengals Enforce Unfair Contract Changes, Putting Rookies at Risk and Causing Standoff

The Cincinnati Bengals have recently altered standard contract language in a way that puts rookies at a disadvantage. Specifically, they’ve extended the consequences of voided guarantees to the remainder of a player’s contract, a departure from league norms.

This change, which appears arbitrary, has made this year’s rookie class involuntary test subjects. First-round pick Shemar Stewart has refused to sign under these new conditions without a reasonable concession from the team.

Stewart has taken a principled stance, rejecting the Bengals’ “take it or leave it” approach. Rather than capitulate to unfair terms, he has chosen not to attend his first NFL training camp, making it clear he won’t be silenced or strong-armed. The Bengals, in turn, have made no effort to compromise or revisit their position, illustrating an unwillingness to negotiate in good faith.

Bengals Prioritize Control and Ego Over Team Success and Rookie Integration

This impasse isn’t about money—it’s about control. The Bengals are asserting dominance, reinforcing the message that they are in charge and rookies must comply. Their stubbornness might be rooted in precedent-setting, but it comes at a cost. Stewart could explore other options, like returning to college football or sitting out and re-entering the draft, further escalating the standoff.

The Bengals’ handling of the situation reveals a deeper issue: a preference for organizational power over team success. By refusing to reach a fair deal with Stewart, they risk hindering their performance at the start of the season. A more pragmatic, winning-focused team would find a compromise to bring their first-round pick into camp. Instead, Cincinnati seems more invested in proving a point than building a winning roster.

The Cincinnati Bengals are the only NFL team yet to sign their 2025 first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart. With rookies reporting to training camp on July 19 and veterans on July 22, the delay isn’t over financial terms.

Under the NFL’s rookie wage scale, Stewart is set to receive a fully guaranteed four-year, $18.97 million contract, including a $10.4 million signing bonus. The hold-up stems from disagreements over specific contract language related to voiding guarantees, not the money itself.

At issue is the default clause language that would allow the Bengals to void Stewart’s contract guarantees if he breaches the agreement.

Cincinnati wants to revise the language to clarify that any breach triggers a total voiding of all future guarantees, a stricter stance than what was agreed upon with their 2024 first-round pick, Amarius Mims. Stewart’s representatives prefer the previous, more limited language that doesn’t broadly void all guarantees.

Bengals Push Precedent in Rare Rookie Contract Dispute, Despite Internal Inconsistencies Emerging

Disputes over rookie contract language are rare. A notable past example occurred in 2018 with Roquan Smith and the Chicago Bears, where the argument was over suspension-related voids. Ultimately, the two sides reached a compromise. Similarly, the Stewart situation stands out in today’s NFL, where most rookie deals are handled smoothly under the wage scale and structured contract templates.

The Bengals are seeking to apply default language that would void guarantees across seven different parts of Stewart’s contract — including base salaries and training camp roster bonuses — if he defaults for any reason. This includes conduct-related suspensions, public comments undermining the team, or other breaches. Such wide-ranging language is not universally standard, though some teams use it. The Bengals want to make it a precedent.

There is no league-wide standard for default language, with each team applying its own interpretation. For example, the Cowboys include substance-abuse-related voids, while the Falcons omit clauses on public comments. The Bengals’ push for sweeping default terms clashes with their recent contracts for stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which do not contain the proposed changes. This inconsistency weakens their argument for a new standard with Stewart.

Bengals’ Standoff with Stewart and Hendrickson Risks Player Relations and Roster Stability

The situation is complicated further by the Bengals’ ongoing standoff with veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is seeking a pay raise. Stewart was drafted to replace Sam Hubbard, who retired, making his training camp participation critical. However, Stewart skipped all offseason workouts due to concerns over injury protection without a signed deal. His continued absence could hamper his early development and readiness.

The Bengals are being criticized for trying to enforce stricter terms without offering anything in return. One potential compromise would be to adjust Stewart’s signing bonus payment schedule favorably. Previous first-rounders like Ja’Marr Chase received more than half their bonus up front. Offering a similar or better deal to Stewart could serve as a fair exchange for the more aggressive contract language the Bengals are requesting.

The Bengals’ rigid approach could backfire. Comparisons are being made to Joey Bosa’s extended 2016 contract standoff with the Chargers, which lasted 31 days due to similar contract-related disputes. While it’s unlikely Stewart’s situation lasts as long, the Bengals’ stance risks damaging long-term relationships. If they persist with a hardline attitude, Stewart’s camp could exploit loopholes or delay further, potentially affecting future negotiations with other players.

First-round draft pick Shemar Stewart and the Cincinnati Bengals are locked in a standoff over a seemingly minor contractual clause. The Bengals are attempting to modify a standard portion of Stewart’s rookie deal without offering a fair trade-off, sparking a contractual impasse. The clause in question is obscure, but the team’s rigid stance has created friction that’s preventing Stewart from signing.

Sitting Out Risks Millions, Draft Position, and Potential Reputational Damage for Stewart

One of Stewart’s limited options is the “nuclear” one: sitting out the entire 2025 NFL season and re-entering the draft in 2026. While the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has lessened some of the financial pressure for incoming players, skipping a year would cost Stewart a slotted signing bonus of over $10 million and jeopardize his draft stock. Being absent for a full season could result in him being drafted lower, particularly with a fresh group of prospects entering the league.

There’s also the risk of reputational damage. Some NFL teams might view Stewart’s pushback as a red flag, questioning his willingness to conform to league norms. Michael Holley of PFT Live raised the issue of whether clubs would penalize him for challenging the draft system. However, others might see this as an opportunity to undercut the Bengals, who are known for letting business interests override football priorities.

Financial Stakes and Free Speech Clause Intensify Pressure on Stewart’s Contract Decision

Despite his principled stand, Stewart faces enormous financial pressure. The total value of his rookie deal could reach $19 million — money he risks losing if he delays signing or goes undrafted in 2026. Moreover, a year away from football could hurt his on-field development and visibility. For Stewart, the conflict is a costly gamble rooted in an effort to stand firm on principle.

Adding to the controversy is the Bengals’ language in the contract that effectively restricts players’ free speech. Once signed, Stewart would be prohibited from making public statements that might “undermine the public’s respect” for the team or its leadership. This clause puts players in a bind — they must express any grievances before signing, as doing so afterward could jeopardize their future guarantees and career standing.

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing more than one internal issue this offseason. Beyond the ongoing Trey Hendrickson situation, the team is dealing with a contract standoff involving first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart.

Selected 17th overall, Stewart has yet to participate in any on-field activities during mandatory minicamp due to unresolved contract negotiations. The Bengals are reportedly trying to set a new precedent with rookie contracts that would allow them to void future guarantees—something Stewart and his representatives are pushing back against.

Stewart Frustrated With Bengals, Prioritizes Fair Deal Over On-Field Participation

On Tuesday, Shemar Stewart expressed frustration with the organization’s handling of negotiations. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that he isn’t demanding anything unprecedented but believes the Bengals are prioritizing “winning arguments” over improving their chances of winning games. While Stewart remains present at minicamp, he made it clear he will not take part in practices until he signs a contract, signaling his firm stance on the matter.

Despite his absence from on-field activities, Stewart maintains that he’s fully engaged in the mental aspects of preparing for the NFL. He attends team meetings, studies the playbook, and trains independently. However, he admits that not being able to practice is a disadvantage, particularly given the physical demands of transitioning from college football, especially from the physically competitive SEC, to the NFL.

Stewart Remains Hopeful Despite Missed Reps and Delayed Start to NFL Journey

Stewart expressed concern that the lack of physical reps may hinder his readiness for the NFL season. While he feels mentally prepared, he acknowledged that actual gameplay in the NFL is on a different level compared to college.

He originally expected to be participating on the field by now and recognizes the importance of these offseason reps for adapting to the professional level, particularly given his raw talent and the steep learning curve ahead.

Though the contract impasse has delayed his on-field debut, Stewart hasn’t let the experience sour his relationship with the Bengals organization. He remained optimistic about his future with the team, noting that he’s still new and looking forward to a long career.

With just two days left in the Bengals’ mandatory minicamp before the summer break, both sides have limited time to reach an agreement if Stewart is to make any progress before training camp.