Sportsnaut
For the Cincinnati Bengals, things are tough all over.
In addition to their Trey Hendrickson contract impasse, the Bengals are also haggling with 2025 NFL Draft first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart in what one insider called a “very bizarre situation.”
Appearing on the Sportsnaut Interview, Cincinnati Bengals insider Richard Skinner told host Evan Groat what, in particular, is holding up the deal with Shemar Stewart. What are the contract snags and why did the talented rookie attend mandatory minicamp but not participate?
Skinner shed light on the fact that the Bengals have worked language into the contract, which could void guaranteed money if Stewart were to get in trouble off the field. Last season, rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton was facing allegations of assault and the Bengals are working to protect themselves from such liabilities in the future. Additionally, the Bengals have a history of players with off-field troubles, including Vontaze Burfict, Joe Mixon, and Adam Jones.
“It was believed to be the case that this was a precedent-setting contract across the league,” Skinner told the Sportsnaut Interview podcast. “It turns out it’s not, there’s language like this in other contracts. It’s just that the Bengals have never really done this.”
Shemar Stewart has publicly rebuked the Bengals and expressed his frustration with the process, verbally talking to the press.
“I’m 100% right. It should be a no-brainer. In Trey’s case, it should be a no-brainer, too…I’m not asking for nothing y’all have never done before,” Stewart said on June 10th. “But y’all (Bengals) just want to win arguments more than winning games, in my opinion.”
Some very frank and direct comments from Shemar Stewart, and why he continues to feel he’s 100 percent right to sit out. Clearly very upset and frustrated with Bengals that he is not signed and on the field. pic.twitter.com/WawvWU8QKu
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) June 10, 2025
Why are the Bengals suddenly demanding such a contract concession at this point? Shemar Stewart remains puzzled by the move, especially with the contract dispute involving Hendrickson, who is one of the best defensive players in the game.
Skinner pointed out the fact that the Bengals could have introduced this type of language in rookie or free agent deals at any time, but doesn’t believe doing it with Shemar Stewart was the most prudent move.
“I’ve been one to side more with Stewart on this one,” Skinner told Groat. “If you want to do that, pick a different player at a different time to do it. I don’t think I would have done it this year with this kid.”
Skinner also reminded us that the Cincinnati Bengals have a reputation for being difficult to work with and not exactly the best organization to play for. The NFL Players Association releases an annual team report card created by players who rate the teams they play for. For 2024, the Bengals were ranked 24th out of 32 teams and received grades of “F-” for family treatment, “F”...
