When/how will Shemar Stewart’s deadlock with the Bengals finish?

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Ben Child
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Ben Child

ESPN Employees Author
Jeremy Fowler
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Jeremy Fowler

senior NFL nationwide reporter

Jun 13, 2025, 06:00 AM ET

CINCINNATI — Contract negotiations between NFL groups and rookies are typically fairly mundane.

The cash is slotted based on the phrases set within the collective bargaining settlement between groups and the NFL Gamers Affiliation. As quickly because the order is ready for the draft, each future greenback might be projected for each rookie, from the primary decide to Mr. Irrelevant.

However what’s taking place between the Cincinnati Bengals and defensive finish Shemar Stewart is something however mundane. Stewart didn’t take part in offseason exercises due to a disagreement over his rookie contract. He had been attending periods with out taking part till Thursday when he abruptly left camp, based on ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It is the primary main rookie dispute since 2016, when Joey Bosa held out of Chargers coaching camp till his contract was signed.

“I am attempting to get on the market as quick as I can,” Stewart mentioned Tuesday.

However after his departure Thursday, and earlier than the crew ended its three-day minicamp and broke for the summer time, it is not that easy.

Bengals reporter Ben Child solutions 4 large questions, together with the choices for each side. Nationwide reporter Jeremy Fowler dishes on what he is listening to across the league relating to when it’d finish.

What’s the dispute about?

In response to a supply with information of the negotiations, the sticking level is language within the contract that might void assured cash in future years. For instance, if Stewart have been suspended, even for an on-field cause reminiscent of main with the crown of the helmet or different comparable penalties, that might eradicate future ensures.

It’s price noting that the sum of money assured as a roster bonus has elevated considerably lately. — Child

What are you listening to across the league?

This staredown has no finish in sight, which brings some individuals across the league to a well-recognized chorus: usual Bengals. Cincinnati can also be in a standoff with Trey Hendrickson, who, after main the NFL in sacks final yr, has vowed to not play below his present contract. Atlanta Falcons All-Professional security Jessie Bates III left the Bengals in March 2023 after contract disputes.

“They’re snug with the uncomfortable,” mentioned one distinguished NFL agent, who has beforehand negotiated with the Bengals entrance workplace. “They simply do not relent.”

Stewart and his agent, Zac Hiller, seem equally dug in, which may create an entertaining summer time. As a number of groups have identified, Stewart is in a tough spot as a result of a prolonged holdout jeopardizes a younger go rusher’s trajectory. However in addition they mentioned that cooler heads normally prevail round coaching camp, and maybe late July will deliver readability for each side. — Fowler

Is this case distinctive to the Bengals?

Sort of. In response to a supply with information of the negotiations, the Bengals have examined comparable language for different rookies across the NFL and consider the contract is the usual rookie deal. However a part of Stewart’s disagreement is that the Bengals try to set a precedent with this yr’s draft class relating to void language and assured cash.

Stewart is not the one unsigned Bengals draft decide. Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., the crew’s second-rounder, additionally has not signed but. However in contrast to Stewart, he has signed his participation waiver and took part in obligatory minicamp.

“I do not need nothing greater than what I deserve,” Stewart mentioned Tuesday. “The best way you’ve got been doing it, simply maintain it the identical manner.

“I do not care what no one else is making. I do not care how a lot cash they’re getting. I do not care. Simply give me what y’all be giving to all people else.” — Child

What are the choices for Stewart and the Bengals?

That is the place issues can get attention-grabbing. The Bengals maintain Stewart’s rights, however the bargaining settlement signed between the league and the NFLPA permits for a number of eventualities that might play out.

If the Bengals fail to signal Stewart by Aug. 5, 30 days earlier than the beginning of the NFL’s common season, Cincinnati cannot commerce him.

The subsequent main deadline is Nov. 11. Much like the franchise tag, if Stewart has not signed his contract by then, he’s ineligible to play for the remainder of the season.

If Stewart by no means indicators and sits out the season, he can re-enter the 2026 draft, the place each crew is eligible to choose him besides one — the Bengals. If Stewart have been to check NCAA guidelines and try a return to varsity or play in one other skilled league, such because the CFL or the XFL, the Bengals would retain his rights.

When requested by ESPN about such eventualities Tuesday, Stewart mentioned he was unaware of them. — Child

What are the Bengals saying?

After the crew’s minicamp, Bengals coach Zac Taylor mentioned he has had “optimistic conversations” with Stewart, and the crew nonetheless stays optimistic about his future with the membership. Taylor in contrast Stewart’s absence to the 2020 season when there have been no offseason exercises due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s nonetheless time to get work in, and I am excited to get him to do this,” Taylor mentioned.

Bengals middle Ted Karras mentioned that there isn’t any resentment within the locker room towards Stewart.

And as a vp for the NFLPA, Karras is aware of why Stewart has been so adamant to guard the assured cash as a lot as attainable.

“It’s totally nuanced,” Karras mentioned. “I feel from [an NFLPA] perspective, we all the time don’t desire language and contracts which are going to be unfavourable to gamers so far as assured cash. We’re all the time attempting to [maximize] the quantity of ensures that guys get.” — Child