Shemar Stewart may be the Cincinnati Bengals’ highest draft pick to ever stand firm in an offseason standoff—and he’s not backing down any time soon.
The team’s 17th overall pick in April, Stewart has yet to sign his rookie deal or the necessary participation waiver, forcing him to sit out mandatory minicamp amid a contract dispute. And during Tuesday’s media availability, the defensive end made it abundantly clear why he’s sitting tight.
A Rookie Unafraid to Speak His Mind
Seated at his locker, Stewart didn’t mince words when asked how long the holdout might last. He insisted he’s 100 percent in the right, pointing out that his demands mirror what past Bengals picks have received.
“In my case, I’m 100% right,” Stewart said when asked about how long the situation could last. “I’m not asking for nothing that’s never been done before. In [the team’s case], y’all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games, in my opinion.” A particularly pointed barb from an NFL newcomer. It’s a rare display of bluntness—and it carries weight given his pedigree and draft status.
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Stewart’s stance is buoyed by strong locker-room support. Teammates have privately told him he’s handling the process correctly, validating his fight for fair contract language. The rookie acknowledged that hearing his peers back him up has made this challenging offseason “very easy,” especially when the team’s star players are on his side.
Coach, QB and Teammates React
While Stewart has held firm, the Bengals have navigated a season-opening roster without him. Veteran quarterback Joe Burrow said contract disputes are part of NFL life and that the team stands behind Stewart—and fellow holdout Trey Hendrickson.
Burrow, who led Cincinnati to back-to-back playoff appearances, noted that while they’d prefer no distractions, everyone supports Stewart’s right to secure fair terms before taking the field.
“You’d love to have none, but that’s life in the NFL,” Burrow said of contract disputes. “We’re all supporting Trey and would love for him to be back.”
Head coach Zac Taylor has tread carefully, declining to comment on specifics but emphasizing that he values all his players and hopes for a swift resolution.
Sources suggest the organization is engaged in negotiations, aiming to finalize deals before training camp in late July. Until then, Stewart remains on the sidelines, preparing personally and mentally for when he finally steps onto the practice field.
A Wider Trend
Stewart isn’t the only Bengals defender at odds with the front office—Hendrickson’s pursuit of a long-term extension has similarly kept him away from minicamp.
The twin holdouts highlight a broader trend in the NFL: rookies and young stars pushing for contract security early in their careers. As veteran voices like Burrow rally behind them, teams must balance roster stability with equitable compensation.
What’s Next for Stewart and Cincinnati?
As Cincinnati enters mandatory training sessions, all eyes will be on whether Stewart reports by camp’s start. If he signs and joins practice immediately if not the team could face depth issues on the defensive line early in the season.
Either way, Stewart’s bold approach has sent a message: he knows his value and isn’t afraid to fight for it. And in a league where the rookie wage scale often leaves newcomers with limited leverage, his insistence on securing fair contract terms sets him apart as one of the most outspoken and confident first-year players in 2025.