Bengals Rookie Shemar Stewart's Contract Negotiation Stalls

David

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Post on Jun 14, 2025

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Bengals Rookie Shemar Stewart's Contract Negotiation Stalls: A Potential Holdout Looms?

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a potential contract snag with their highly touted rookie defensive lineman, Shemar Stewart. Negotiations between the team and Stewart's representatives have reportedly stalled, raising concerns about a possible holdout as training camp approaches. This situation adds another layer of complexity to an already busy offseason for the Bengals, who are aiming for another deep playoff run in the upcoming NFL season.

The Sticking Point: Guaranteed Money and Incentives?

While specific details remain undisclosed, sources suggest the disagreement centers around the amount of guaranteed money and performance-based incentives included in Stewart's contract. Rookie contracts, especially for players selected in later rounds, often involve a delicate balance between team financial flexibility and securing fair compensation for the player’s potential. Stewart, a physically imposing defensive tackle, showed promise during pre-draft workouts and is expected to contribute immediately to the Bengals' defensive line. His agent is likely pushing for a contract structure that reflects this potential, seeking assurances of long-term financial security.

Impact on the Bengals' Defensive Line:

The delay in finalizing Stewart's contract could have significant ramifications for the Bengals' defensive line. With the season fast approaching, the team needs all its players ready to participate in training camp. A holdout would not only deprive Stewart of valuable practice time to learn the playbook and build chemistry with his teammates, but it would also impact the overall team preparation. The Bengals' defensive line depth is already a subject of discussion among analysts, and the absence of Stewart would further test their resilience and versatility.

Recent Contract Trends and Rookie Deals:

This situation highlights a broader trend in NFL contract negotiations. Teams are often cautious about committing large sums of guaranteed money to rookies, especially those drafted outside the first round. However, talented players with high potential are increasingly seeking more lucrative deals, reflecting their growing leverage. We've seen similar contract standoffs in recent years, with some players ultimately signing deals after lengthy negotiations, while others have held out until an agreement is reached. Analyzing recent rookie contracts at similar positions could offer insights into the potential range of a settlement for Stewart. (Further research into similar rookie deals from recent years would be included here in a full-length article)

What Happens Next?

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome. Both sides have an incentive to reach a mutually agreeable contract. The Bengals need Stewart's talent to bolster their defense, and Stewart needs a contract that ensures his financial future. While a holdout remains a possibility, both parties are likely to prioritize a resolution that avoids a protracted and potentially damaging stalemate. We'll continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

Keywords: Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals, NFL, contract negotiation, rookie contract, training camp, holdout, defensive line, guaranteed money, NFL contract, NFL news, NFL rookies

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