Shemar Stewart's Contract Standoff: Bengals Rookie Skips OTAs Amid Deal Dispute

Bengals Rookie Shemar Stewart Holds Out: What's the Deal?

The Cincinnati Bengals made headlines when they selected pass-rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round of the NFL Draft, hoping to boost their defensive front with some serious speed and raw power. But instead of making waves on the practice field, Stewart’s been creating noise off it—by not participating in team activities during OTAs or minicamp. Yeah, he's showing up, but he's not suiting up.

So, what’s the hold-up?

🧐 It’s All About the Fine Print

Turns out, Stewart’s absence from on-field drills isn’t due to an injury or fitness issue. It’s contract-related. More specifically, the language in his rookie deal has become a major sticking point between him and the Bengals’ front office.

Unlike a handful of other first-round picks across the league who are also unsigned, Stewart is taking a firm stance. His camp is pushing back against what they believe is an attempt by the Bengals to introduce new "voidance" terms—essentially language that would make it easier for the team to terminate the contract under specific conditions.

And get this: they’re trying to start this precedent with Stewart’s contract. Not exactly how most players want to kick off their NFL careers.

💼 Stewart’s Camp Is Standing Tall

Now, let’s be clear—the Bengals have the right to negotiate new contract language. They’re a business, and franchises are always looking to protect their assets. But Stewart’s team isn’t having it.

They’re pointing to Cincinnati’s long-standing history with rookie contracts and saying, “Why change things now?” Especially with a top pick who’s expected to be a cornerstone on the defense. Stewart’s reps argue that altering the traditional deal structure now could hurt rookies going forward—not just Stewart.

📌 Key Points at a Glance:

• Stewart is attending OTAs and minicamps but not participating in drills.

• The conflict centers around new voidance terms the Bengals want to include.

• His camp believes this is a dangerous precedent.

• Stewart was drafted as a "traits-over-production" type of player, meaning he needs time and reps to develop.

• Every day he’s on the sideline, he’s losing valuable growth time.

🏈 A Rookie Who Needs Reps, Not Red Tape

Here’s where this whole situation gets a little frustrating—especially for fans.

Stewart was known coming out of college as a high-upside player. He’s explosive off the line, has the size and motor to become a true game-wrecker, but let’s be real: he’s not a finished product. He needs every rep he can get, especially in the early offseason programs where coaches fine-tune technique and build chemistry within the unit.

But instead, he’s stuck on the sideline in a Bengals jersey, watching his teammates put in work while contract lawyers argue over clauses. It’s a rough spot for a young player whose development could be stalling before it even starts.

🧠 This Isn’t Just Business, It’s Personal

While NFL contracts are often reduced to numbers and bullet points, this one’s getting personal. The Bengals are essentially trying to make Stewart the poster child for a new contractual norm—one that might benefit the team long-term but could hurt players' security.

And Stewart? He’s holding the line. He’s saying, “Nope, not on my watch.”

It’s a gutsy move for a rookie. Most first-year players are just grateful to be in the league and will sign whatever is placed in front of them. But Stewart clearly knows his value—and he’s not backing down.

🤔 So, Why Are the Bengals Picking This Fight Now?

That’s the million-dollar question.

The Bengals have had a relatively stable run when it comes to handling rookie contracts. In fact, they’ve typically avoided major public disputes. So why start now? Why with Stewart?

Some believe it’s about setting a tone for the future, trying to exert more control over contract flexibility. Others think it could be a test case to give the front office more leverage down the line. Either way, this isn’t just about Stewart—it’s about the long-term direction of how Cincinnati wants to structure deals.

But here’s the kicker: choosing Stewart, a player who clearly needs nurturing and time on the field, might not have been the best strategic move.

🎤 What the Fans Are Saying

If you scroll through Bengals Twitter (or X, if we’re being current), you’ll find plenty of hot takes. Some fans are siding with the team, saying Stewart should just sign and prove himself on the field. Others are worried that the Bengals are playing hardball with the wrong guy at the wrong time.

Let’s not forget, this is a franchise trying to stay competitive in a tough AFC North and make another serious run with Joe Burrow leading the charge. Do they really want this kind of distraction lingering into training camp?

🧩 The Bigger Picture

This situation isn’t happening in a vacuum. Around the league, there’s been a noticeable shift in how contracts are structured—especially rookie deals. Teams are trying to get smarter, limit risk, and build flexibility. But players and agents are also more educated and strategic than ever before. The result? Standoffs like this one.

It’s a tug-of-war between protecting investments and preserving player rights. And unfortunately for Stewart, he’s the rope.

⏳ What Happens Next?

As summer approaches, the pressure is on both sides to find common ground. If Stewart’s holdout continues into full training camp, it could stunt his development and put him behind the eight-ball on earning snaps in his rookie year.

For the Bengals, the PR headache could worsen, and they risk alienating a player they drafted to be part of their future defensive identity.

Both parties need each other. The Bengals need Stewart’s potential. Stewart needs the Bengals' platform to evolve into an NFL star.

So… what’s the hold-up, folks?

Final Thought:
Contracts are part of the NFL game. But when business starts getting in the way of football, somebody’s got to blink. Will it be the Bengals front office or Shemar Stewart’s camp? One thing’s for sure—fans are watching, coaches are waiting, and Stewart’s future is hanging in the balance.

Let’s hope it gets sorted out before this promising rookie becomes more of a “what if” than a “what’s next.”