CINCINNATI — Defensive finish Shemar Stewart, essentially the most outstanding member of the Bengals’ 2025 draft class, watched from a distance throughout Tuesday’s voluntary exercise in what has successfully become a hold-in state of affairs.
A perceived alteration within the contract language for rookies is why Stewart, the seventeenth total select of Texas A&M, has not carried out any on-field work since being drafted by the Bengals.
“I am not asking for something loopy,” Stewart instructed ESPN on Tuesday. “I am not even asking for nothing. I simply need issues to be constant. I simply need constant language as previously contracts. I simply will not follow till I get that.”
Unsigned rookie contracts are frequent all through the NFL as gamers transition from faculty to the professionals. Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., the group’s second-round choose, additionally doesn’t have a signed deal. Nevertheless, he’s taking part within the group’s voluntary drills.
Early within the course of, the dispute centered on the quantity of wage paid out as a coaching camp roster bonus, a supply instructed ESPN. However as different first-round picks have signed offers throughout the league, that problem has subsided.
Now, nevertheless, the dispute has shifted towards contract language that seems to be materially completely different from offers given to Cincinnati’s earlier first-round picks. In keeping with a supply, the battle stems from wording that would probably have an effect on the assured cash on the rookie offers, which might set a precedent for future Bengals contracts.
Final yr, Bengals offensive sort out Amarius Mims participated in exercises with out a signed contract. A supply acquainted with that negotiation indicated that Mims took on zero contractual threat earlier than he signed with the group.
On Tuesday, very similar to he has all through different exercises open to the media, Stewart wore his No. 97 jersey, noticed reps and took psychological reps.
“I simply attempt to maintain myself engaged,” Stewart mentioned.
No exercises are required in offseason occasions till the group’s obligatory minicamp, which is scheduled to start out June 10. Final yr, Bengals broad receiver Ja’Marr Chase had restricted participation within the minicamp, finally resulting in a hold-in all through coaching camp amid a contract dispute.
