The Bengals just can’t get deals done with their edge rushers, apparently.
The Cincinnati Bengals and the No. 17 overall pick are still stuck in a contract stalemate.
This isn’t uncommon for a team and their first round pick, but the player sitting out practice — which Shemar Stewart still is — is not something you see as often.
Kelsey Conway from Cincinnati Enquirer added this detail to the reason behind the dispute:
Shemar Stewart is requesting that his contract language mirror the last two Bengals’ first-round picks, both of which were selections after pick No. 17, a source tells me.
Grey Zabel, selected at pick No. 18 right behind Shemar, was signed by the Seahawks last week. https://t.co/vdefbB8Fup
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) May 20, 2025
We recently also talk about how Stewart’s camp reportedly wanted more of his guaranteed money tied to training camp bonuses, which would get him his money sooner in the season.
This will become a lot easier once the Arizona Cardinals and Walter Nolen (pick No. 16) finalize their deal, as both sides will likely meet in the middle of that contract and the recently signed No. 18 pick.
Stewart was billed as a high-ceiling guy who has shown all the traits to be a top edge rusher in the NFL, but he never translated that to sacks at Texas A&M, with only 4.5.
It would be ideal for him to get on the field sooner rather than later, but at the very least, he is still attending meetings and other off-field activities during the offseason.
If this gets to the point where he starts missing training camp, you really have to start worrying about what is going on.
