The Cincinnati Bengals are in the spotlight as contract negotiations with rookie Shemar Stewart take center stage. The 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft remains unsigned, raising questions about the team’s approach to rookie contracts. On July 21, 2025, Bengals team president Mike Brown expressed frustration over the standoff, labeling it “foolishness.”
- Ben Baby covers Bengals for ESPN.
- Mike Brown criticizes contract negotiations with Stewart.
- Dispute over contract language causing delays.
- Stewart has not participated in workouts.
- Duke Tobin disagrees with Stewart's advice.
- Trey Hendrickson seeks a long-term deal.
Stewart’s contract dispute revolves around language concerning conduct detrimental to the team, a clause recently added to align with league standards. As the only first-round pick yet to sign, Stewart’s absence from workouts has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Will this situation be resolved before the training camp?
This contract impasse highlights the complexities of rookie negotiations in the NFL. The Bengals’ approach may reflect broader Trends in the league regarding rookie contracts and conduct clauses. Key developments include:
- Mike Brown’s criticism of the ongoing negotiations with Stewart.
- The addition of conduct clauses in rookie contracts, now standard across the league.
- Stewart’s decision to hold out for a fair deal, despite missing training opportunities.
- Optimism surrounding a potential long-term deal for veteran Trey Hendrickson.
