Bengals’ rookie Shemar Stewart leaves camp as contract feud gets messier

Bengals’ rookie Shemar Stewart leaves camp as contract feud gets messier

The Bengals sure have a penchant for drama when it comes to players’ contracts.

First-round pick Shemar Stewart has left the team’s mandatory minicamp since the sides have not come to an agreement on the particulars of his deal, according to ESPN.

The Bengals want to establish a “new precedent” with rookie contracts that allows the franchise to void future guarantees, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart. AP

Cincinnati is already dealing with a holdout from star pᴀss rusher Trey Hendrickson after previous tension with standout receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins before they signed new deals.

The NFL’s rookie salary structure is designed to make negotiations easy since there’s a descending pay scale where players drafted higher make more than those selected with lower picks.

The amount is not the issue here, which is why this situation has escalated.

Stewart wants his contract to have the same language as the team’s last two first-round picks, offensive tackle Amarius Mims (No. 18 in 2024) and defensive end Myles Murphy (No. 28 in 2023), per the outlet.

The organization instead wants to make alterations.

“I’m 100 percent right. I’m not asking for nothing y’all (the Bengals) have never done before,” Stewart said Tuesday. “But in y’all’s case, y’all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games.

Stewart is reportedly one of five first-round picks who have yet to sign a deal.

He said he’s been talking sporadically with coach Zac Taylor, although owner Mike Brown is likely the one who has to sign off on any contract.

“I’ve been doing this for most of my whole life, and then all of a sudden it’s gone over something very simple to fix,” Stewart told reporters. “It’s kind of disappointing.”

The Bengals selected Stewart with the 17th pick. Getty Images

The Bengals could be playing a dangerous game with Hendrickson and Stewart, considering the team’s defense often had a matador-like approach to stopping opposing offenses last year.

Cincinnati can score with the best of them, but allowing the eighth-most points per game (25.5) cost the team several wins and prevented a playoff berth.

Bengals owner Mike Brown. Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images

Stewart could also use the reps since it seems his game needs further development after he totaled just 4 1/2 sacks spanning his three years with Texas A&M.

“It’s very important,” Stewart said of the missed time. “You got to get your body somewhat prepared to play football, especially me coming from college to the NFL is a way physical game, even though I played in the SEC, which is very physical, but nothing compares to actually playing in the NFL.

“I thought I’d be on the field by now, that’s what I would (have) thought.”

Related Posts

BREAKING NEWSAntonio Brown taunts cops on social media after arrest warrant for attempted murder

BREAKING NEWSAntonio Brown taunts cops on social media after arrest warrant for attempted murder

While Florida police are seeking Antonio Brown on an attempted second-degree murder charge, the troubled former NFL star is now claiming to be on the other side…

Taylor Swift fans beg Travis Kelce to cover up after another wardrobe malfunction on date night

Taylor Swift fans beg Travis Kelce to cover up after another wardrobe malfunction on date night

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift stole the show at the Stanley Cup on Thursday night but there was one moment where even the Swifties feared seeing a…

BREAKING NEWSDetroit Lions legend and Heisman winner Barry Sanders reveals major health crisis

BREAKING NEWSDetroit Lions legend and Heisman winner Barry Sanders reveals major health crisis

Barry Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner, suffered a heart attack last year, he has now revealed. Sanders previously acknowledged a health…

Taylor Swift’s plans for 2025 NFL season revealed after she attends Stanley Cup Final with Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift’s plans for 2025 NFL season revealed after she attends Stanley Cup Final with Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift is more excited than ever for the upcoming NFL season now that she has more time on her hands to jet around the country supporting…

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes share first glimpse of baby daughter Golden in adorable family pH๏τos

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes share first glimpse of baby daughter Golden in adorable family pH๏τos

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wife Brittany shared a first glimpse of 5-month-old baby daughter Golden in a social media post of family pH๏τos.  All…

BREAKING NEWSєx-NFL star Antonio Brown wanted by police on attempted murder charge after wielding gun in shocking brawl

BREAKING NEWSєx-NFL star Antonio Brown wanted by police on attempted murder charge after wielding gun in shocking brawl

Miami-Dade County police are looking to arrest troubled ex-NFL star Antonio Brown on an attempted murder charge as a result of a shooting at a boxing event…