The Cincinnati Bengals have had a busy 2025 offseason, full of contract talks and player holdouts. It’s nothing new, as they’ve dealt with similar issues before. This year, the drama centers around their defense.
The core of their offense is secure—Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins have all signed long-term deals. However, with Trey Hendrickson still in contract negotiations, the decision to draft Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick has raised some questions.
Stewart, however, seems aware of the situation. Even though he was a first-round pick, he understood he could face uncertainty too. So, to play it safe, he announced that he wouldn’t participate in rookie camp until his contract was signed.
Shemar Stewart’s Contract Dispute Keeps Him Out of Bengals Minicamp
The Cincinnati Bengals had six draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but only four rookies were present at their rookie minicamp on Friday. Their first-round pick, edge rusher Stewart, and second-round pick, linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., did not participate in any drills but were seen on the sidelines.
Given their high draft status, their absence quickly caught the media’s attention, prompting reporters to rush over and find out why Stewart missed the drills.
The mystery quickly came to an end. Stewart’s absence was due to his ongoing contract negotiations. The former Texas A&M Aggies defensive end has yet to finalize his rookie contract, and he is well aware of the Bengals’ current contract situation, especially within the defensive end position, as Trey Hendrickson is also going through a similar negotiation battle.
Speaking to reporters after camp, Stewart expressed his frustration, saying, “I just decided not to sign those papers… I mean, I would love to be part of the team. I hate being on the sidelines looking at everybody else do work.”
#Bengals rookie DE Shemar Stewart is holding out until his rookie contract is agreed to, he told reporters.
“I just decided not to sign those papers. I hate being on the sideline looking at everybody else do work.”
pic.twitter.com/7qan9fziwT— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 9, 2025
However, before Stewart spoke out, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor had already cleared the air by explaining the lack of participation: “They’re just working through their contracts right now.” Stewart’s comments followed shortly after.
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The hope is that Cincinnati can resolve the contract issues before mandatory minicamp. Given Stewart’s impressive college career—65 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble—coach Taylor likely won’t let the contract talks drag on much longer.
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