Unlocking the Shemar Stewart Standoff: A Simple Solution for Bengals Fans

The Bengals are currently facing a contract disagreement with defensive end Shemar Stewart. The root of the issue lies in specific wording about guarantees in his contract. Essentially, the Bengals want to ensure that if Stewart defaults in any given year, all future guarantees would be voided.

Interestingly, some insiders believe the existing contract language already covers this, which raises a question: why not just stick to the terms in the contract signed by Amarius Mims, the 18th overall pick in the same draft?

However, the Bengals are keen on changing the contract terms offered to Stewart, who was picked 17th overall in the 2025 draft. This indicates a shift from their usual practice. To implement these new terms, the Bengals might need to adjust another part of the contract, such as the signing bonus schedule.

As it stands, the Bengals are taking a rigid stance. This has led to Stewart missing the entire offseason program, and if things don’t improve before training camp, he could miss that too. This puts him at a disadvantage for the season opener, and it’s the Bengals’ fault. They have a recent history of allowing contract disputes to hinder player preparedness—a misstep they felt acutely in 2024 when a lost game cost them a playoff spot.

Resolving this issue shouldn’t be so complicated, but with the Bengals, it often feels like the simplest solutions are the hardest to achieve.

Looking at the broader picture, experts suggest that contract disputes like this can have long-term effects on team dynamics and performance. A survey conducted by the Professional Football Writers of America found that team cohesion can be significantly impacted by unresolved contract issues, leading to mistrust and a lack of motivation among players.

In conclusion, the Bengals have the chance to streamline their approach, but for now, the situation remains tangled. If this trend continues, they might find themselves losing more than just games.



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