Jul 24, 2025, 12:00 AM
Jul 22, 2025, 12:00 AM

Bengals refuse to guarantee contract for Shemar Stewart amid holdout

Highlights
  • Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart remains a holdout due to a contract dispute.
  • Bengals management believes they are treating Stewart fairly compared to other draft picks.
  • The holdout may impact team dynamics as training camp approaches.
Story

In the United States, Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart is currently holding out from training camp due to ongoing disputes over the specific language in his contract. The situation is particularly tense as Bengals training camp is set to begin on July 23, 2025. Stewart, the team's first-round pick at 17th overall, is negotiating a contract worth approximately $18.97 million over four years but is at an impasse with the team's executives regarding certain terms of the agreement, especially concerning guarantees tied to behavior. Bengals management, including owner Mike Brown and director of personnel Duke Tobin, have expressed frustration at the holdout without fully blaming Stewart, acknowledging that he is following recommendations from his legal representation. They maintain that the contract language should allow the team to void guarantees in case of conduct issues that might arise during the contract period. This is a contentious point as Stewart believed he was justified in his contract demands based on precedent set by other players. The Bengals are keen to resolve the situation but appear staunchly opposed to granting guarantees without conditions. As such, the ongoing impasse has led to a noted division between the rookie's representation and team management, framing potential consequences for the upcoming season as training camps approach.

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