When it comes to rookie contracts in the NFL, things are usually figured out rather quickly. Each rookie is assigned a set value based on their draft selection. That is why the contract with Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart should be done already. Instead, Stewart is still waiting for his deal to be finalized due to a clause included in his contract that he and his agent are unhappy with.
According to Mike Florio via Pat McAfee, the clause put into the contract states, “The clause would turn a default in any given year into a void of all remaining guarantees. In prior Bengals contracts, a void wiped out only the guarantees for the year in which the default occurred.”
The Bengals have decided to wedge a new clause into Shemar Stewart’s rookie deal..
The Bengals are doing Bengals stuff..
I like what the agent is doing #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/YQTPs1hGHa
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 10, 2025
This new clause is something the Bengals were hoping to try for the first time on Stewart. However, Stewart and his agent have no interest in being the test dummies for this clause. Both sides seem to be holding firm, and Stewart is the one paying the price as he misses out on valuable offseason workouts.
Stewart shared some interesting comments on his contract situation with reporters: “In my case, I’m 100% right, so it should be a no-brainer.” Also, when asked if this experience has soured his taste with the Bengals, Stewart said, “I’m not gonna say that, I mean I’m still new here, we still have a long future ahead of us.”
#Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart spoke today and it’s safe to say things are not in a great place:
“We all agree Trey (Hendrickson) will be alright. But technically he’s still 1% wrong for being under contract. In my case, I’m 100% right.”
(📹 @Trags)
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 10, 2025
This is not the way any rookie wants to begin their professional career. But Stewart and his agent are doing what they think is right. Stewart was regarded as one of the top edge rushers entering the 2025 NFL draft. He and Trey Hendrickson could be a potent duo if they ever get the chance to play together.
No front office struggles with contracts as much as the Bengals, and they have backed themselves into a corner with both Stewart and Hendrickson having contract disputes. While there is still time before training camp begins, things are not trending in the right direction for the Bengals as they enter the season.
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