The Cincinnati Bengals may be pushing one of their top young prospects toward a decision that could backfire for both sides. First-round pick Shemar Stewart has yet to sign his rookie deal, and after walking out of mandatory minicamp, the situation is escalating.
Contract negotiations have stalled due to a controversial clause the Bengals are trying to insert — one that Stewart refuses to accept. Now, one former Bengal believes Stewart may be preparing to take the most extreme path available to him.
Cincinnati Bengals Risk Losing Top 2025 NFL Draft Pick Shemar Stewart Over Disputed Contract Guarantees
Former Bengals defensive back and current NFL analyst Solomon Wilcots addressed the standoff on the June 16 episode of “The Opening Drive” on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
“It’s being reported that the Cincinnati Bengals are using some technical language that would allow them to void some of the guaranteed money on the contract,” Wilcots said. “It’s not anything they have been able to put in the contract language with any of their previous first-round picks. It seems to be beginning with Shemar Stewart.”
Stewart, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, would be giving up quite a bit if he follows through with what Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio dubbed the “nuclear option” — refusing to sign his rookie deal and re-entering the 2026 draft.
It’s a risky move. For one, Steward would have to sit out the entire 2025 season and miss valuable development time. And even if the NCAA grants him eligibility to return to college, there’s no guarantee he’d maintain first-round status. He’d be competing against a new draft class, filled with prospects who played and improved their stock during the season.
On top of that, Stewart would be walking away from a four-year deal worth roughly $19 million, including a $10 million signing bonus. Even with NIL deals and endorsements, that kind of financial security would be hard to replicate next year, especially if he drops out of the top 20.
Still, Wilcots acknowledged why Stewart might be tempted. “He ended up leaving the mandatory meeting without participating in any on-field drills or activities,” Wilcots said.
“In today’s world, where players have NIL money, they have other things that they’ve been able to take advantage of. He could even sign endorsement deals and still be eligible to go back and play in college, which would allow him to walk away from the Cincinnati Bengals.
“If he were to take that nuclear option, that would be a devastating blow to the Bengals to not have the services of a first-rounder, or a first-round pick.”
Stewart has received support from several former first-round Bengals players, who have advised him not to sign under the proposed terms.
Interestingly, this contract impasse comes as the Bengals have resumed negotiations with veteran EDGE Trey Hendrickson, who had previously expressed frustration over his deal. The fact that one of the team’s defensive leaders is back at the table while the rookie standout is walking away from it only highlights the growing complexity of Cincinnati’s contract landscape.
The Bengals, for their part, are trying to insert language that’s speculated to be tied to “conduct detrimental,” which could void guaranteed money under certain off-field conditions.
It’s a departure from how they’ve handled rookie deals in the past. Just last year, 18th overall pick Amarius Mims signed a standard contract without issue. The shift has raised eyebrows around the league and added tension to a team already under pressure after missing the playoffs for two consecutive years.
Some rival teams might quietly relish the idea of Stewart slipping back into the 2026 pool — it could be a way to undermine the Bengals, who have long been criticized for prioritizing business over football. But Stewart would be taking a significant gamble to make that point. If he ultimately chooses to sign, he’ll need to resolve any lingering frustrations before committing to a team that’s already testing his patience.