Bengals’ Contract Disputes: Shemar Stewart vs. Franchise Demands

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing notable contract disputes as they navigate the complexities of player negotiations, particularly with newly drafted defensive end, Shemar Stewart. While the team is actively negotiating with All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, tensions are rising regarding Stewart’s unsigned contract.

Shemar Stewart’s Contract Stalemate

Shemar Stewart was selected 17th overall during the 2025 NFL Draft, but he remains unsigned. The major sticking point appears to be related to contractual guarantees, particularly concerning potential misconduct.

Key Points:

• Contract Issues: Stewart and his representatives seek to prevent the franchise from reclaiming any guaranteed money under certain conditions.
• Bengals’ Stance: Bengals executive Duke Tobin expressed confusion over the hold-up, stating, “I don’t really understand where things are there.” He emphasized that the Bengals structure their contracts fairly compared to other draft picks.

Bengals’ Leadership Weighs In

Bengals owner Mike Brown elaborated on the situation, offering a clearer perspective on the organization’s position.

Insights from Mike Brown:

• Not about Money: Brown noted, “It’s never about money… It’s about the guarantee in the case of if he were to do something contrary to the discipline levels of the league.”
• Risk Management: He added, “If we get a player who does something unacceptable, guess what? I don’t want to pay him.”

This statement underscores the Bengals’ concern over financial liabilities linked to player conduct, particularly in light of potential disciplinary actions imposed by the league.

Current Status of Shemar Stewart

Despite the contractual impasse, Stewart is not in Cincinnati as he should be for rookie training camp. Recently, he shared an image on his Instagram story showcasing him working out alongside former teammates at Texas A&M.

Key Updates:

• Training Camp Absence: Stewart’s absence raises questions about his commitment and readiness as the season approaches.
• Ongoing Disputes: While both sides express willingness to negotiate, neither appears ready to compromise at this point.

The Broader Implications

As the Bengals try to manage various contract negotiations, the dual situations with Hendrickson and Stewart paint a complex picture for the franchise.

Summary of Issues:

• Trey Hendrickson: Ongoing discussions as the team aims to reach a satisfactory agreement.
• Shemar Stewart: Stalemate due to misunderstandings over contract guarantees with potential long-term implications for both the player and the franchise.

Moving Forward

With the season on the horizon, resolving these contract disputes is imperative for the Bengals’ success. Both players are key to the team’s prospects, and achieving a resolution will benefit all parties involved.

Stay informed about the latest updates on Bengals’ negotiations and player contracts through dedicated sports news sources. With the stakes this high, every decision counts as the franchise prepares for the upcoming NFL season.

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