As rookie Shemar Stewart might know, contract issues usually start popping up in a player’s third or fourth year when it’s time for a second deal. But Stewart seems to be jumping the gun, already in a hold-in just two weeks after being drafted.
Stewart was spotted sitting out of drills. After practice, reporters swarmed the Bengals’ first-round pick to get answers, and the rookie broke it down himself.
Contract Issues Holding Cincinnati Bengals Rookie DE Shemar Stewart Back
In a video posted on X by reporter Caleb Noe on May 9, Stewart said he chose to hold off on signing his rookie deal.
“I just decided not to sign those papers … I hate being on the sideline looking at everybody else do work.”
Bengals 1st round pick Shemar Stewart said he hopes to have his contract signed by next week.
He did not participate in rookie minicamp today, but was present.#Bengals… pic.twitter.com/8HWqmL3ROV
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) May 9, 2025
“I just decided not to sign those papers … I would love to be part of the team. I hate being on the sideline just looking at everybody else do work … Especially on the first day, kinda tough on me,” he said.
Tough or not, it hasn’t been enough to get Stewart to sign. The situation is unusual, as rookie contracts are locked in with little room for negotiation due to the NFL’s rookie wage scale, which was introduced to avoid long, drawn-out rookie holdouts. Typically, first-round picks sign their deals without much drama. That makes Stewart’s decision to delay all the more curious.
Still, Stewart appears to be pushing for something more. His exact financial situation isn’t known, but with college players now earning serious NIL money, rookies like Stewart aren’t always desperate for that first NFL paycheck. Stewart, who was highly recruited out of high school and played for a high-profile program like Texas A&M, likely had endorsement opportunities and NIL deals that gave him some financial cushion.
That changes the game. With a bit more leverage than rookies had in years past, Stewart’s delay may be a play to tweak his terms — even if just slightly.
Exploring What the Bengals Could Have Offered Stewart
The Bengals haven’t finalized a deal with their first-rounder, but per Over the Cap, Stewart’s rookie deal was projected at $18.9 million over four years. That’s roughly $4.7 million annually on average, with a big chunk likely paid out upfront — as is typical for most rookie contracts.
His base salary was reportedly set at $840,000, but it is not locked in until he signs. Stewart or his agent may be seeking different bonus terms, escalator clauses, or performance guarantees — areas where minor negotiation is still possible, even under the current CBA.
Stewart was taken 17th overall in a Bengals draft class focused heavily on defense, especially at linebacker. He was the only edge rusher drafted, with Demetrius Knight Jr. going in the second round and Barrett Carter taken in the fourth. That gives Stewart a unique place in the class — and possibly even more leverage.
At Texas A&M, Stewart racked up 65 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks over three seasons. He was widely viewed as a high-upside prospect with the physical tools to contribute early in the NFL.
Cincinnati’s defense ranked 28th in PFSN’s Defense+ metrics last season. That unit needs help — and fast. So now the question is: Who blinks first, the Bengals or their unsigned rookie?