Total Pro Sports
After calling out the Cincinnati Bengals this week amid a contract dispute, 2025 first-round pick, Shemar Stewart is continuing to do things to show that he is going to get what he wants.
CBS Sports Jonathan Jones confirmed that Stewart has removed himself from mandatory minicamp, but that is just the start.
Stewart had been around the building and participated in team activities despite being unsigned, per ESPN, but now takes the more drastic step of leaving minicamp altogether.
Head coach Zac Taylor said he and Stewart have had “positive conversations” and “good communication.” He noted that Stewart has been in the meeting rooms so far during the offseason program and is a good learner. But he also acknowledged that this is an unusual situation.
The unusual situation is on tap to get even worse for the Bengals.
Shemar Stewart could sit out the 2025 season and re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft amid his contract dispute with the Bengals.
Bengals DE Shemar Stewart could sit out the 2025 season and re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft amid his contract dispute.
Stewart can remain unsigned beyond Nov. 11th, sit out the 2025 season, and re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Stewart could be selected by any team other than Cincy. pic.twitter.com/ilxFxa4FrJ
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) June 12, 2025
Stewart can remain unsigned beyond November 11, sit out the entire 2025 season, and then re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft. He could be selected by any team other than Cincinnati.
Shemar Stewart could opt out and be drafted by a new team next year 🤯
Tensions continue to rise in Cincy
(via @ProFootballTalk) pic.twitter.com/Sx9EVSso5c
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) June 12, 2025
The rift between the Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar Stewart has reached a new level, as the Texas A&M product has reportedly left the final day of mandatory minicamp with his rookie contract still not signed.
Stewart called the standoff “disappointing” and has not practiced with his teammates while the franchise and his agent work through their differences.
Pro Football Talk reported Stewart leaving minicamp wasn’t because of the contract disagreement but rather because “he didn’t want to be a distraction” for his teammates who were participating.
Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in April, publicly addressed not being on the field during the Bengals’ minicamp.
“I’m 100% right,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “I’m not asking for nothing y’all (the Bengals) have never done before. But in y’all case, y’all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games.”
The Bengals are reportedly trying to change how their first-round rookie contracts are done, allowing the team to void future guarantees.
Shemar Stewart doesn’t agree with this practice.
Also Read: NFL Sack Leader Trey Hendrickson Is Officially Done With The Cincinnati Bengals Franchise
