Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round draft pick in 2025, left the team’s mandatory minicamp on June 12, escalating a contract dispute that has kept him off the practice field since April. Selected 17th overall from Texas A&M, Stewart demands his four-year, $18.9 million rookie contract be fully guaranteed without a new clause proposed by the Bengals, which would allow voiding future guarantees for on- or off-field infractions. The standoff, also involving veteran Trey Hendrickson, who seeks a contract extension after leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, highlights the team’s attempt to set a new precedent for rookie deals. Stewart, training at Texas A&M’s facilities, voiced frustration, stating he seeks only terms consistent with prior Bengals draft picks. The unresolved issue threatens the team’s defensive preparations for the NFL season starting in September.
The absence of Stewart and Hendrickson, key edge rushers, risks disrupting the Bengals’ defense, which ranked 22nd in yards allowed in 2024. With training camp approaching in late July, the team faces pressure to resolve the disputes to ensure a cohesive unit.
- Contract dispute: Stewart demands fully guaranteed $18.9M without void clause.
- Minicamp exit: Rookie left final session on June 12 in protest.
- Trey Hendrickson: Veteran also absent, seeking extension after 17.5 sacks.
- Training impact: Bengals risk starting camp without top pass rushers.
Below, we explore the dispute’s origins, Stewart’s stance, team implications, and his options moving forward.
Roots of the contract standoff
The dispute between Shemar Stewart and the Cincinnati Bengals began shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft in April. The team proposed a clause in Stewart’s $18.9 million, four-year rookie contract that would allow voiding future guarantees if he faces suspensions for on-field incidents or off-field issues. This clause deviates from the contracts of the Bengals’ previous two first-round picks, Myles Murphy (2023, 28th overall) and Amarius Mims (2024, 18th overall), which were fully guaranteed without such language. Stewart, backed by his agent Zac Hiller, argues that the team is unfairly altering established terms for first-rounders.
Stewart attended Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and the first day of minicamp but refused to sign an injury waiver to practice without a finalized contract. His departure from the final minicamp session on June 12 was a public stand against the Bengals’ stance, which he criticized as prioritizing “winning arguments” over on-field success.
- Proposed clause: Bengals seek to void guarantees for infractions.
- Prior contracts: Murphy and Mims deals lacked the disputed clause.
- Contract value: $18.9M over four years, per NFL rookie scale.
- Injury waiver: Stewart declined to sign, halting practice participation.
Head coach Zac Taylor called the situation a “learning experience” but avoided commenting on a resolution timeline, focusing on players currently practicing.
Stewart’s public stance
Shemar Stewart has been vocal about his position, expressing confidence in his demands. On June 10, during minicamp, he stated, “I’m 100 percent right,” emphasizing that he’s only asking for terms consistent with previous Bengals rookies. His public criticism of the team’s management, accusing them of valuing arguments over victories, sparked attention. Despite the tension, Stewart clarified he holds no grudge against the organization, noting it’s early in his NFL journey.
Teammates have rallied behind Stewart. Center Ted Karras said the locker room supports him, with no resentment over his absence. Quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledged that contract disputes are common in the NFL, expressing solidarity with both Stewart and Hendrickson. Stewart’s firm stance reflects his belief in securing a fair deal, especially since the NFL’s rookie salary scale eliminates disputes over contract value, leaving only language as the issue.
- Stewart’s claim: Demands same terms as prior Bengals rookies.
- Team support: Karras and Burrow back Stewart’s position.
- Public criticism: Rookie accuses team of prioritizing arguments.
- No animosity: Stewart remains optimistic about his Bengals future.
The dispute’s publicity has drawn attention to the Bengals’ negotiation tactics, potentially influencing future rookie contracts.
Impact on Bengals’ defensive preparations
The absence of Shemar Stewart and Trey Hendrickson poses significant challenges for the Bengals’ defense as the 2025 season approaches. Stewart, a 21-year-old edge rusher with 4.5 sacks in his Texas A&M career, was drafted to bolster the pass rush, especially after the departure of key players like Jessie Bates III in 2023. Without practice time, Stewart misses critical opportunities to adapt to the NFL’s speed and the Bengals’ 4-3 defensive scheme under coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Hendrickson’s absence, following his league-leading 17.5 sacks in 2024, further weakens the defensive line. The Bengals, who finished 2024 with a 9-8 record and ranked 22nd in defensive yards allowed, rely on their edge rushers to pressure quarterbacks in the competitive AFC North. With training camp set to begin in late July, unresolved disputes could hinder team chemistry and defensive cohesion.
- Defensive gap: Stewart and Hendrickson absences weaken pass rush.
- 2024 performance: Bengals ranked 22nd in yards allowed last season.
- Training camp: Starts late July, critical for resolving disputes.
- Adaptation risk: Stewart’s lack of practice delays NFL transition.
The Bengals must balance their negotiation stance with the need to field a competitive defense in a division featuring quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson.
Stewart’s leverage and options
Under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Shemar Stewart has several options to pressure the Bengals. He can continue his holdout, refusing to sign until the team removes the disputed clause. Another option is requesting a trade before the August 8 deadline, 30 days prior to the season’s start on September 7. In an extreme scenario, Stewart could sit out the entire 2025 season and re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft, though this is rare and risky, as it could lower his draft stock and future earnings.
Stewart’s leverage stems from his status as a first-round pick and the Bengals’ need for his skills. However, prolonged absence could stunt his development, particularly in mastering NFL-level techniques. His agent, Zac Hiller, is pushing for consistency with prior Bengals contracts, citing the fully guaranteed deals of Myles Murphy and Amarius Mims as precedents.
- Holdout strategy: Stewart can refuse to sign until terms are met.
- Trade request: Possible before August 8 deadline.
- Draft re-entry: Rare option to re-enter 2026 NFL Draft.
- Agent’s role: Zac Hiller cites prior contracts as leverage.
The Bengals may need to compromise to ensure Stewart’s participation in training camp, avoiding further disruption.
Bengals’ history of contract disputes
The Cincinnati Bengals have faced several high-profile contract disputes in recent years. In 2023, safety Jessie Bates III left for the Atlanta Falcons after failing to secure a long-term deal. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins also endured lengthy negotiations before signing extensions in early 2025. Trey Hendrickson’s current holdout, driven by his demand for a contract extension after a standout 2024 season, mirrors Stewart’s situation. These disputes have fueled criticism of the Bengals’ front office, with agents noting the team’s rigid approach to negotiations.
The attempt to introduce a voidable guarantee clause in Stewart’s contract signals a broader strategy to protect the team’s financial interests. However, the resistance from Stewart and his agent suggests that the Bengals’ push for new terms may face challenges, especially with a player aware of the team’s precedent with recent first-rounders.
- Past disputes: Bates, Chase, and Higgins faced negotiation issues.
- Hendrickson’s holdout: Seeks extension after leading NFL in sacks.
- New clause strategy: Bengals aim to set precedent for rookie deals.
- Criticism of management: Agents highlight rigid negotiation tactics.
Stewart’s dispute could set a precedent for how the Bengals handle future first-round picks, impacting their reputation in the NFL.
Stewart’s off-field preparation
While the contract dispute continues, Shemar Stewart is training at Texas A&M’s facilities, focusing on conditioning, strength, and technique. He participates in daily workouts, including speed drills and weightlifting, to stay in peak physical condition. Stewart also studies the Bengals’ playbook remotely, attending virtual team meetings to grasp the defensive scheme. His commitment to preparation, despite the standoff, demonstrates his professionalism and desire to be ready for his NFL debut.
However, training independently limits his ability to build chemistry with teammates and adapt to the NFL’s physicality. As an edge rusher, Stewart needs on-field reps to refine his pass-rushing moves, critical for facing elite offensive tackles. His return to team activities will be essential for a smooth transition to professional football.
- Training at Texas A&M: Focus on conditioning and technique drills.
- Playbook study: Stewart attends virtual meetings to learn scheme.
- Professional approach: Maintains preparation despite dispute.
- On-field limitation: Lack of team practice hinders NFL adaptation.
Stewart’s off-field efforts are commendable, but his absence from team drills could delay his impact when the season begins.