Stewart is the NFL’s only unsigned first-round draft pick.
Saturday was the day all Cincinnati Bengals rookies were to report to training camp.
Unfortunately, Shemar Stewart was not among them, as the first-round pick continues to hold out over contract language.
Even worse, the two sides have made no progress toward getting a deal done, according to Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer.
Conway adds that the Bengals were able to get a deal done with second-round pick Demetrius Knight because they offered him 75% of his signing bonus upon signing in exchange for inserting a new clause that could void future guaranteed money if there is a breach or default by Knight.
However, the Bengals haven’t made that offer to Stewart. They’re also looking to include that clause in his rookie contract.
With Day 1 of camp set to open on July 23rd, it’s looking highly unlikely that Stewart will be out there for it. He’s unable to report for camp until a deal is signed.
Hopefully, the two sides can hammer something out sooner rather than later.
Context when examining why the Bengals and Demetrius Knight were able to get a deal done but not Shemar Stewart
The Bengals are giving Knight 75% of his signing bonus upon signing in exchange for the new language. They have not offered that % to Shemar, a source tells me
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) July 19, 2025
