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Trey Hendrickson is still awaiting payment, while first-round pick Shemar Stewart is holding out due to a rookie contract dispute.
The disagreement with Stewart’s contract language has led to tension, but Cincinnati Bengals executive Duke Tobin expressed his stance as training camp approaches.
“I believe Shemar should be present,” Tobin stated. “I won’t place blame on Shemar. He is following the advice he is paying for. Although I don’t agree with the advice, I respect his decision. If I felt he was being treated unfairly compared to other draft picks this year, then it would be a different situation. But that’s not the case. I’m unclear about the current situation.”
The 2025 Cincinnati Bengals draft pick Shemar Stewart.(IMAGN)
Stewart, selected 17th overall in April, left mandatory minicamp prematurely because his rookie contract was not finalized.
The Texas A&M product emphasized that he did not want to distract his teammates during the ongoing contract dispute.
“I stand by my decision,” Stewart told reporters. “I am not demanding anything unprecedented from the Bengals. However, it seems like they prioritize winning arguments over winning games.”
The Bengals are reportedly seeking changes in their first-round rookie contracts to have the option to void future guarantees. Stewart argues that his contract should not deviate from the norm, pointing out that Amarius Mims, last year’s first-round pick, did not have such language in his deal.
Stewart, being a higher pick than Mims, feels strongly about the issue.
Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart speaking at a press conference on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.(IMAGN)
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor indicated that there was good communication with Stewart prior to his departure from camp.
Team owner Mike Brown also weighed in, describing Stewart’s situation as “very unusual.”
“It’s not about money. It’s about ensuring a guarantee in case of misconduct that violates league discipline,” Brown explained. “While I doubt such a scenario will occur, that’s the main point of contention holding things up.”
Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart observing Bengals rookie mini-camp on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.(IMAGN)
“If a player engages in unacceptable behavior, we should not have to honor the guarantee,” Brown added.
The Bengals’ training camp is set to begin on July 23.
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