Bengals Leadership Expresses Frustration Over Shemar Stewart’s Holdout: ‘He Needs to Join Us Now!’

Trey Hendrickson isn’t the only Bengals player facing contract issues. The team is also in a standoff with rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, whom they drafted 17th overall in April. Despite the high expectations, Stewart hasn’t signed his contract yet, primarily due to disagreements over the guarantees in his deal.

Bengals executive Duke Tobin recently expressed his frustration, stating, “I think Shemar needs to be here. I don’t agree with the advice he’s getting, but he’s paying for it.” The Bengals feel they are treating Stewart fairly compared to other rookies, which adds to the puzzlement over the impasse.

Owner Mike Brown weighed in, calling the situation “peculiar.” He highlighted that the dispute is less about money and more about ensuring they aren’t financially responsible for Stewart if he were to engage in conduct detrimental to the team. “If a player does something unacceptable, I don’t want to pay him,” he noted. This concern isn’t just unique to Stewart; it reflects a growing trend among teams wanting clearer terms to protect themselves.

Data from a recent survey by the NFL Players Association shows that a significant portion of rookies are negotiating tougher contract terms, especially regarding guarantees. This trend suggests that many young players, like Stewart, are more cautious and strategic about their contracts than was common in previous years.

For context, in the past, rookie contracts rarely focused heavily on guarantees unless it was a first-round selection. Today, however, players are more aware of their worth and leverage, influenced by social media and the easily accessible information about contract standards in the league.

Stewart recently posted a picture on his Instagram while working out with former teammates at Texas A&M, indicating he’s focused on improving despite not being with the team. While Hendrickson’s situation appears to be moving toward resolution, Stewart and the Bengals seem far from finding common ground.

As Brown mentioned, “We’re arguing over something that is pretty remote.” It raises questions about how these negotiations reflect broader changes in athlete management and contract negotiations in professional sports today. While both sides hope to resolve these issues, the landscape of rookie contracts continues to evolve, reflecting a shift in how players advocate for themselves.



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