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Ben Child
CINCINNATI — Defensive finish Shemar Stewart, probably the most distinguished member of the Bengals‘ 2025 draft class, watched from a distance throughout Tuesday’s voluntary exercise in what has successfully became a hold-in state of affairs.
A perceived alteration within the contract language for rookies is why Stewart, the seventeenth general pick of Texas A&M, has not achieved any on-field work since being drafted by the Bengals.
“I am not asking for something loopy,” Stewart instructed ESPN on Tuesday. “I am not even asking for nothing. I simply need issues to be constant. I simply need constant language as up to now contracts. I simply will not observe till I get that.”
Unsigned rookie contracts are frequent all through the NFL as gamers transition from school to the professionals. Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., the workforce’s second-round decide, additionally doesn’t have a signed deal. Nonetheless, he’s taking part within the workforce’s voluntary drills.
Early within the course of, the dispute centered on the quantity of wage paid out as a coaching camp roster bonus, a supply instructed ESPN. However as different first-round picks have signed offers throughout the league, that difficulty has subsided.
Now, nonetheless, the dispute has shifted towards contract language that seems to be materially completely different from offers given to Cincinnati’s earlier first-round picks. In response to a supply, the battle stems from wording that would probably have an effect on the assured cash on the rookie offers, which might set a precedent for future Bengals contracts.
Final 12 months, Bengals offensive deal with Amarius Mims participated in exercises with no signed contract. A supply accustomed to that negotiation indicated that Mims took on zero contractual danger earlier than he signed with the workforce.
On Tuesday, very similar to he has all through different exercises open to the media, Stewart wore his No. 97 jersey, noticed reps and took psychological reps.
“I simply attempt to hold myself engaged,” Stewart stated.
No exercises are required in offseason occasions till the workforce’s necessary minicamp, which is scheduled to begin June 10. Final 12 months, Bengals extensive receiver Ja’Marr Chase had restricted participation within the minicamp, finally resulting in a hold-in all through coaching camp amid a contract dispute.
