When/how will Shemar Stewart’s deadlock with the Bengals finish?

CINCINNATI — Contract negotiations between NFL groups and rookies are typically fairly mundane.

The cash is slotted in accordance with the phrases set within the collective bargaining settlement between groups and the NFL Gamers Affiliation. As quickly because the order is about for the draft, each future greenback might be projected for each rookie, from the primary choose to Mr. Irrelevant.

However what’s taking place between the Cincinnati Bengals and defensive finish Shemar Stewart is something however mundane. Stewart didn’t take part in offseason exercises due to a disagreement over his rookie contract. He had been attending periods with out taking part till Thursday when he abruptly left camp, in accordance with ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It is the primary main rookie dispute since 2016, when Joey Bosa held out of Chargers coaching camp till his contract was signed.

“I am making an attempt to get on the market as quick as I can,” Stewart stated Tuesday.

However after his departure Thursday, and earlier than the workforce ended its three-day minicamp and broke for the summer season, it is not that easy.

Bengals reporter Ben Child solutions 4 large questions, together with the choices for each side. Nationwide reporter Jeremy Fowler dishes on what he is listening to across the league concerning when it’d finish.

What’s the dispute about?

In keeping with a supply with information of the negotiations, the sticking level is language within the contract that would void assured cash in future years. For instance, if Stewart had been suspended, even for an on-field motive comparable to main with the crown of the helmet or different related penalties, that would get rid of future ensures.

It’s value noting that the amount of cash assured as a roster bonus has elevated considerably lately. — Child

What are you listening to across the league?

This staredown has no finish in sight, which brings some folks across the league to a well-known chorus: standard Bengals. Cincinnati can also be in a standoff with Trey Hendrickson, who, after main the NFL in sacks final yr, has vowed to not play underneath his present contract. Atlanta Falcons All-Professional security Jessie Bates III left the Bengals in March 2023 after contract disputes.

“They’re snug with the uncomfortable,” stated one distinguished NFL agent, who has beforehand negotiated with the Bengals entrance workplace. “They only do not relent.”

Stewart and his agent, Zac Hiller, seem equally dug in, which might create an entertaining summer season. As a number of groups have identified, Stewart is in a troublesome spot as a result of a prolonged holdout jeopardizes a younger cross rusher’s trajectory. However additionally they stated that cooler heads often prevail round coaching camp, and maybe late July will deliver readability for each side. — Fowler

Is this case distinctive to the Bengals?

Type of. In keeping with a supply with information of the negotiations, the Bengals have examined related language for different rookies across the NFL and consider the contract is the usual rookie deal. However a part of Stewart’s disagreement is that the Bengals are attempting to set a precedent with this yr’s draft class concerning void language and assured cash.

Stewart is not the one unsigned Bengals draft choose. Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., the workforce’s second-rounder, additionally has not signed but. However in contrast to Stewart, he has signed his participation waiver and took part in obligatory minicamp.

“I do not need nothing greater than what I deserve,” Stewart stated Tuesday. “The best way you have been doing it, simply maintain it the identical approach.

“I do not care what no person else is making. I do not care how a lot cash they’re getting. I do not care. Simply give me what y’all be giving to everyone else.” — Child

What are the choices for Stewart and the Bengals?

That is the place issues can get attention-grabbing. The Bengals maintain Stewart’s rights, however the bargaining settlement signed between the league and the NFLPA permits for a number of situations that would play out.

If the Bengals fail to signal Stewart by Aug. 5, 30 days earlier than the beginning of the NFL’s common season, Cincinnati cannot commerce him.

The subsequent main deadline is Nov. 11. Just like the franchise tag, if Stewart has not signed his contract by then, he’s ineligible to play for the remainder of the season.

If Stewart by no means indicators and sits out the season, he can re-enter the 2026 draft, the place each workforce is eligible to choose him besides one — the Bengals. If Stewart had been to check NCAA guidelines and try a return to varsity or play in one other skilled league, such because the CFL or the XFL, the Bengals would retain his rights.

When requested by ESPN about such situations Tuesday, Stewart stated he was unaware of them. — Child

What are the Bengals saying?

After the workforce’s minicamp, Bengals coach Zac Taylor stated he has had “optimistic conversations” with Stewart, and the workforce nonetheless stays optimistic about his future with the membership. Taylor in contrast Stewart’s absence to the 2020 season when there have been no offseason exercises due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s nonetheless time to get work in, and I am excited to get him to do this,” Taylor stated.

Bengals middle Ted Karras stated that there isn’t any resentment within the locker room towards Stewart.

And as a vice chairman for the NFLPA, Karras is aware of why Stewart has been so adamant to guard the assured cash as a lot as doable.

“It is very nuanced,” Karras stated. “I feel from [an NFLPA] perspective, we all the time don’t need language and contracts which can be going to be detrimental to gamers so far as assured cash. We’re all the time making an attempt to [maximize] the quantity of ensures that guys get.” — Child