Cincinnati Bengals and Shemar Stewart’s Contract Drama: What’s Really Going On?
Hold up—what’s going on in Cincinnati? The Bengals have found themselves in the spotlight again, and not for the reasons fans would like. This time, the franchise is making headlines over an unexpected contract standoff with their first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart. Yeah, you read that right—a standoff. In 2025. When rookie contract squabbles are almost extinct thanks to the rookie wage scale. So, what gives?
Let’s break it down because this isn't just a typical “we’ll figure it out” delay. There’s money talk involved—of course—and not just any money. We're talking about training camp roster bonuses. A not-so-small detail that’s caused quite the hiccup between Stewart and the team.
So… What’s the Hold-Up?
According to NFL insider Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk, the Bengals lowballed the rookie when it came to how much of his money would be paid out through training camp roster bonuses. These bonuses aren’t your everyday signing checks—they’re strategic chunks of money handed to players early in the season, typically paid out over future years. They’ve become a neat little trick for teams and agents to navigate the structured rookie wage scale.
But here’s the kicker: the Bengals reportedly offered a lower percentage than what the 17th overall pick got last year. That’s where things started to get sticky. You’d expect the 18th pick in 2025, Stewart in this case, to get a deal at least in the same ballpark as last year’s 17th pick, right? Instead, Cincinnati came in with a less-than-stellar offer.
Let’s Be Real: This Should’ve Been a Done Deal Already
If you’re a Bengals fan, you’re probably tired of this déjà vu. For whatever reason, small contractual hang-ups like this seem to haunt the Bengals more than most franchises. Every team deals with rookie contracts. Most get it done quietly, quickly, and cleanly. Yet here we are, watching another first-round pick on the sidelines during rookie minicamp.
And yes, that’s a big deal. While the majority of this year’s first-rounders haven't officially signed their rookie contracts yet, almost all of them are already out on the field practicing, building chemistry with their new teams. Stewart? He’s on the sideline, watching drills go by. Not ideal.
A Pattern That’s Hard to Ignore
This isn't the first time Cincinnati's front office has been in the hot seat for things like this. Fans have long criticized the team’s conservative contract structure, particularly when it comes to guaranteed money and bonus structuring. It’s not just about being frugal—it’s about being outdated.
You’d think a franchise with Super Bowl aspirations and a franchise QB in Joe Burrow wouldn’t be splitting hairs over training camp bonus percentages. But alas, here we are. Again.
What’s even more frustrating? This kind of delay is completely avoidable. The structure is already there. The framework is in place. Most teams use the previous year’s deals as a guideline and build from that. But in this case, Cincinnati reportedly veered off the expected course.
Rookie Wage Scale: Not a Cure-All
Let’s pause for a second and talk about the rookie wage scale. Instituted as part of the NFL’s CBA in 2011, it was meant to streamline rookie contracts and avoid the massive pre-rookie paydays that used to dominate headlines. It worked—for the most part. Most rookie deals today follow a pretty standard blueprint.
But—and this is where it gets interesting—there are still loopholes. And training camp roster bonuses are one of those gray areas that can still cause conflict. They’re negotiable. And that’s where teams like the Bengals try to shave off costs or push payments back.
The result? Moments like this.
Let’s Not Forget: This Is a Business
Yes, NFL football is a game. But it’s also a business, and both sides are trying to get the best deal possible. The Bengals want to protect their salary cap space. Stewart’s camp wants to ensure he gets paid fairly and in line with what similar picks have earned before him.
The frustrating part for fans is that this business side often interferes with the football side. Rookies miss valuable reps. Coaches don’t get a full look at their squad. Chemistry takes longer to develop. And the fans? They’re left wondering why their team can’t just get it together.
The Silver Lining? This Probably Won’t Last Long
Despite all the noise, let’s keep things in perspective: this probably isn’t going to drag out into the summer. Both sides know the value of getting it done. The Bengals want Stewart on the field. Stewart wants to play. And with this issue now out in the open, there’s added pressure to resolve it quickly.
But the bigger takeaway is that it shouldn’t have happened in the first place. In a league where most teams play ball with rookies in a standardized way, Cincinnati once again looks like the outlier.
Bengals Fans Deserve Better
Let’s face it—this fanbase has been through enough. From heartbreaking playoff losses to long stretches of mediocrity, Bengals fans have stood by their team through thick and thin. Now that Cincinnati finally has a legit squad with playoff potential, these kinds of distractions feel like a slap in the face.
You’ve got Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and a young defense that’s loaded with potential. This team is right on the cusp of greatness. But if the front office continues to trip over rookie contracts, that edge could start to dull.
Final Thoughts: Get It Done
At the end of the day, this should be a no-drama situation. Training camp roster bonuses shouldn’t be the sticking point that keeps a first-round pick off the field. The fact that it is tells you a lot about how the Bengals still operate, even in 2025.
If Cincinnati wants to be seen as a true contender and not just a team with potential, they need to fix things like this fast—and permanently. The longer Stewart is out of pads, the more this delay hurts both him and the team.
Let’s hope both sides come to their senses soon, put pen to paper, and let this talented rookie do what he was drafted to do: make plays.
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