The Cincinnati Bengals and Shemar Stewart’s contract dispute has gotten to the next level.
The rookie defensive end, who was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, didn’t participate in the first day of mandatory minicamp.
Now, he’s reportedly not even there.
“Cincinnati’s unsigned first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart now has left mandatory minicamp, per source. Stewart had been attending team activities, but without a signed contract and with the Bengals asking for certain clauses, no longer,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter wrote on X.
Cincinnati’s unsigned first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart now has left mandatory minicamp, per source. Stewart had been attending team activities, but without a signed contract and with the Bengals asking for certain clauses, no longer. pic.twitter.com/qeo492Z6As
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 12, 2025
Stewart has yet to practice with the team, and given that he’s technically not under contract, he’s not in breach of any agreement.
The Bengals reportedly have included new language that would allow them to void guarantees in any year of the deal.
They’re reportedly trying to set a precedent starting with this rookie class, and while other NFL teams have similar clauses, they offer bigger signing bonuses and more money upfront.
Stewart is unwilling to budge and won’t play for the Bengals until the impasse gets solved.
He wants to sign a deal similar to their previous two first-round selections, offensive tackle Amarius Mims and defensive end Myles Murphy.
To add insult to injury, superstar defensive Trey Hendrickson isn’t participating, either, as he looks for a new contract.
He’s called out the team publicly for weeks over his situation.
After being one of the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year and leading the NFL in sacks last season, the Bengals’ already shaky defense would take a huge hit if he decides to hold out.
NEXT: Joe Burrow Had Telling Comment About Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Situation
