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Cincinnati Bengals’ contractual relationship continues.
The first round of picking Shemar Stewart does not practice on the team’s mandatory mini stamp this week because he has not yet signed his rookie contract.
Cincinnati stroked Tee Higgins’ contractual situation this season, but the Bengales still deal with top edgerusher Trey Hendrickson. Now their first round of choices is until he gets a deal he likes.
Stewart, Texas A&M product, which went 17. Total in the 2025 NFL draft in April, has not yet practiced this summer, and the Bengals are reportedly trying something that no other team in the league has done yet by canceling future guarantees for Stewart.
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Cincinnati Bengal’s first round draft of Shemar Stewart speaks during a press conference on April 25, 2025 at Paycor Stadium in the center of Cincinnati. (IMagn)
The unprecedented contract maneuver does not sit well with Stewart, and he sounded from the front office on Tuesday while he was on Bengals’ complex.
“I am 100% right,” he said of his attitude about his rookie deal, according to SI.com. “I do not ask for nothing that you (Bengals) have never done before. But in that case, you just want to win arguments (more) than win more games.”
Stewart said he “can’t say” what he is asking for in his contract.
Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson releases scary statement against the team as contract negotiations stall
In the meantime, he still attends meetings and does what he can from the field to be ready for the season.
“I’m still studying my playbook. Taking the right tones down, and when I get some free time I go out to train,” he said.
But Stewart will be on the field with his teammates. He says he has prepared himself properly during the high season for his first crack at the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals 2025 Draft Pick Shemar Stewart during Exercise May 20, 2025. (IMagn)
“You have to get your body somewhat ready to play football, especially me coming from college. NFL is a way of physical play, even though I played in SEC, which is very physical. Nothing compared to actually playing in the NFL. I thought I would be on the field now.”
Stewart was considered a raw view that came out of Agggies’ program, one that possesses enormous athletic ability, but needs to strengthen the technical aspects of playing outside of linebacker.
He hopes to do so for years to come in Cincinnati, and although the contract situation is less than ideal, he has no sickness to the franchise.
“I’m still new here. We still have a long future ahead of us,” he said.
Bengal’s defensive end Shemar Stewart under Bengals Rookie Minicam 9 May 2025 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. (IMagn)
However, Stewart makes it clear that he is not doing anything wrong with his contract negotiations.
The ball is in Bengals’ court.
