Mike Brown’s Insight on Shemar Stewart’s Holdout: What Fans Need to Know

The Bengals are struggling to finalize a contract with first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart, and they’re pointing fingers. They recently changed the contract terms around guarantees, which has led to the hold-up. This change came only after they drafted Stewart, even though they used the previous language for players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Owner Mike Brown spoke about the situation, saying it’s not about money but about how guarantees would apply if a player behaved poorly. He mentioned, “That’s what’s holding it up.” But really, the agent for Stewart is just asking for the same deal offered to others—something the Bengals seemed to abruptly abandon.

Historically, the Bengals have a mixed track record with contracts and negotiations. Fans remember the disappointments, and now they wonder if the team will repeat past mistakes. Interest in how the team performs this season intensifies, especially if they start poorly. Will fans still support them, or will they question the organization’s decisions?

Data from a recent survey shows that fan loyalty can waver when teams make questionable business choices. A significant number of supporters want to see transparent and fair dealings in contracts.

As a team, the Bengals need to navigate this situation carefully. If they fail to meet expectations, the backlash may not just be about the games lost but also about trust in leadership decisions. The pressure is on them to avoid repeating history and to treat players fairly, especially in high-stakes positions like Stewart’s.

For more on contract negotiations in the NFL and how they impact team dynamics, check out sources like ESPN.

It’s clear: players want fairness, and fans deserve transparency. The outcomes of these negotiations may well shape the Bengals’ future.

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