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The rift between Cincinnati Bengals and the first round Pick Shemar Stewart has reached a new level as the Texas A&M product has allegedly left the last day of mandatory mini stamp with his rookie contract still not signed.
Pro Football Talk reported that Stewart, who left MiniCamp, was not because of the contract he has with Bengals, but rather “he would not be a distraction” for his teammates participating.
Still Stewart’s contract situation has confused many in the football world and is the reason why he is not on the field with his teammates.
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Bengals’ 2025 draft of Pick Shemar Stewart (IMagn)
Stewart, the 17th total election in the 2025 NFL draft in April, publicly treated to be on the field under Bengals’ MiniCamp practice because of not inking his rookie agreement.
“I’m 100% right,” he told journalists on Tuesday. “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.”
The Bengals are reportedly trying to change the way their first round-rookie contracts are executed, which would allow the team to cancel future guarantees. Stewart does not feel that his contract language should be different, with Pro Football Talk, pointing out Amarius Mims, the team’s first round of election last year and does not have that language in his agreement.
Bengals Rookie Shemar Stewart is stuck in contract match: ‘I’m 100% right’
Stewart was also a higher choice than Mims.
Bengal’s main coach Zac Taylor said he had “good communication” with Stewart before leaving the camp.
Given Bengals’ contract problems with other players – Star Edge Rusher Trey Hendrickson has his own problem with his deal in Cincinnati – Taylor gave his thoughts on Stewart’s situation.
Bengal’s defensive end Shemar Stewart during Rookie MiniCamp on May 9, 2025 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. (IMagn)
“There is a first one for everything,” he told journalists. “Every year you learn a little new in this position, and this is just one of the things that the players have done really well. We keep the team moving and when he jumps on the field, it will be good for our team.”
Before traveling, Stewart attended team meetings and studied his new Playbook. But he knows how much to be on the field makes a difference.
“You need 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,” he said.
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.
Cincinnati Bengal’s first round draft of Shemar Stewart speaks during a press conference, April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium. (IMagn)
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.
