Drafted 17th overall out of Texas A&M, Stewart is one of only four unsigned first-round picks—but the only one who’s walked out over the issue. At the heart of the standoff is contract language that could void guarantees not only for the year of a “default” but for every remaining year on the deal.
ESPN and NBC Sports both report that this language deviates from what the Bengals have used in recent rookie contracts, including the one given to Amarius Mims last year.
Reminder:
— SleeperBengals (@SleeperBengals) June 10, 2025
Shemar Stewart just wants a contract that Amarius Mims (and every other 1st rounder) got where there’s no “default clause” that can void his future guaranteed money.
He just wants what is normal for a rookie deal. pic.twitter.com/XkdNpYKB8b
Despite not practicing, Stewart had remained involved in meetings and off-field learning. However, he told reporters this week that he’s “100 percent right” and isn’t asking for anything unprecedented.
“Y’all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games,” he added—a pointed critique of the Bengals’ front office.
Head coach Zac Taylor tried to strike a diplomatic tone, noting “positive conversations” with the rookie while also expressing mild disappointment in how the dispute has played out publicly. As minicamp ends, all eyes turn to late July, when training camp opens and tensions could rise further if the issue remains unresolved.
What Happens If Stewart Doesn’t Sign?
Per the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, Stewart does have a few rare but very real options. He could refuse to sign and demand a trade before the August 5 deadline.
After that, he’d have to wait until after Week 10 to sign and still be eligible to play this season. Otherwise, he can sit out the year and re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft. A return to college football, or a stint in the CFL or UFL, could also keep him off the Bengals’ roster while preserving future NFL rights, but each path has complications.
The CBA even addresses scenarios where drafted players return to school, which would tie Stewart’s rights to the Bengals again in 2026.
The Bengals negotiating with Shemar Stewart after spending all their money on two WRs... pic.twitter.com/f5ZZSIgPUp
— Jeremy Karp (@jkarpsportsfan1) June 12, 2025
What makes this more combustible is that this is happening in tandem with Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson’s holdout. The Bengals, who are poised to contend, now face the possibility of starting training camp without their top rookie and their best pass rusher.
Stewart’s teammates, including veteran center Ted Karras, have voiced support for him and Hendrickson, signaling that locker room morale hasn’t soured...yet.
Bengals Risk Prolonged Distraction If Standoff Drags On
The Bengals’ stubbornness over what Stewart calls a “very simple” contract fix has turned into an unnecessary distraction. While Stewart is undeniably raw and in need of coaching reps under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, the team’s refusal to budge on language not previously used sets a precedent that could affect future negotiations.
It’s rare to see a rookie dispute escalate this far, but the Bengals’ front office has a history of inflexibility in contract talks, one that now risks undercutting their momentum heading into 2025.
Until a deal is reached, the Bengals face the dual headache of filling a major gap on the defensive line and managing media scrutiny around both Stewart and Hendrickson.
A quick resolution would help reset the focus on football. But if Cincinnati keeps digging in, they may find themselves without two impact defenders when it matters most.
Photo Credit: Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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