Shemar Stewart’s Limited Options: What Lies Ahead for the Rising Star?

The Bengals and rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart are stuck in a standoff over his contract. This tension arises, primarily from the team’s attempts to change the wording around guarantees in future years. Stewart has a few choices to consider during this standoff.

First, he could refuse to sign the contract and demand a trade. The clock is ticking on this option, as unsigned draft picks can only be traded until 30 days before the first game of the season. For 2023, that deadline is August 5. After that date, the Bengals cannot trade him in 2025, regardless of whether he signs.

Alternatively, Stewart could choose to delay signing until after Week 10 of the season. If he does this, he can still play in 2025. However, if he misses this window, he won’t be able to play unless he shows "extreme personal hardship," a term that isn’t clearly defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Another option is for Stewart to forego signing and re-enter the draft in 2026. If he takes this route, he could be picked by any team, but not the Bengals. Interestingly, there is a provision in the CBA that allows a drafted player to return to college. This would involve a legal fight with the NCAA, but if Stewart goes back to school, he could still be considered a Bengals draft pick in 2026.

Stewart could also decide to join another professional league, such as the CFL or UFL. If he does that within a year of being drafted, the Bengals would maintain his rights for three years. This means if he signed with another NFL team post-2025, the Bengals would have the first chance to match that offer.

Lastly, a player wanting to avoid the draft entirely must sit out for up to two years. If Stewart re-enters the draft later and is chosen again, he could become an undrafted free agent by refusing to sign. However, it’s crucial for Stewart to focus on the Bengals’ stance regarding contract guarantees rather than sidestepping the draft altogether.

In summary, Stewart’s choices are clear: he can seek a trade until August 5, wait to sign until after Week 10 to still participate in 2025, or sit out the entire year to re-enter the draft in 2026. The Bengals should be mindful of these options, especially given their history of sticking to their guns during negotiations.

As of now, contracts in the NFL often reflect a wider issue in sports: how organizations balance risk and player security. Recent statistics show that rookie contracts have become increasingly complex, with nearly 70% of draft picks entering negotiations feeling uncertain about their future guarantees. It highlights the growing tension between teams’ policies and players’ needs for security in an era where injuries can change careers in seconds.

For more on contract negotiations and player rights, check the resources at NFL Players Association.

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