Bengals Face Setback: First-Round Draft Pick Shemar Stewart Leaves Over Contract

David

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Post on Jun 14, 2025

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Bengals Face Setback: First-Round Draft Pick Shemar Stewart Leaves Over Contract Dispute

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing an unexpected and significant setback just weeks after the NFL Draft. Highly touted first-round pick, defensive lineman Shemar Stewart, has reportedly left the team due to a contract dispute. This stunning development throws a wrench into the Bengals' offseason plans and raises questions about the team's ability to attract top talent.

The news broke late Tuesday evening, sending shockwaves through the NFL world. Sources close to the situation indicate that Stewart's agent, [Agent's Name - if known, otherwise omit], and the Bengals' front office failed to reach an agreement on key contract terms, leading to Stewart's departure. While the specific details of the disagreement remain undisclosed, speculation points towards disagreements regarding guaranteed money and signing bonuses.

A Costly Mistake for the Bengals?

Stewart, a five-star recruit coming out of [College Name], was considered one of the most promising defensive prospects in the draft. The Bengals, known for their shrewd drafting and player development, saw Stewart as a cornerstone piece of their defensive line for years to come. His absence leaves a significant hole in their defensive strategy, especially considering their need for consistent pass rush.

Losing a first-round pick before he even plays a single down is a considerable blow, not just financially, but also from a team morale perspective. It raises concerns about the Bengals’ negotiation tactics and their ability to attract and retain high-profile players in the future. This incident could potentially impact the team's draft strategy in coming years.

The Impact on the Bengals' 2024 Season

The Bengals' already challenging schedule just became more daunting. The loss of Stewart forces them to rely heavily on existing players and potentially look for reinforcements through free agency or trades. This will require significant adjustments to their defensive schemes and could impact their overall performance this season. Analysts are already debating whether the Bengals can maintain their playoff contention status without Stewart's contribution.

• Depth Chart Concerns: The Bengals' defensive line lacked depth even before Stewart's departure. This leaves them vulnerable to injuries and potentially limits their ability to rotate players effectively.
• Scheme Adjustments: The coaching staff will likely need to adapt their defensive strategies to compensate for Stewart's absence. This could take time and impact early season performance.
• Free Agency Scramble: The Bengals may now need to aggressively pursue free agents or explore trade options to fill the void left by Stewart. This will add pressure to an already busy offseason.

What Happens Next?

The situation remains fluid, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The Bengals' response to this unexpected setback will be closely scrutinized by fans, analysts, and the wider NFL community. Will they be able to successfully navigate this crisis and still contend for a Super Bowl? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

Keywords: Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL Draft, Contract Dispute, NFL News, First-Round Pick, Defensive Lineman, Free Agency, NFL Trades, Offseason, Bengals 2024 Season, NFL Draft Picks

Call to Action: Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below! What do you think the Bengals should do next?