Shemar Stewart, Bengals’ First-Round Draft Pick, Leaves Minicamp Over Unsigned Contract: Source

CINCINNATI, OH — June 12, 2025 — First-round draft pick Shemar Stewart has unexpectedly left the Cincinnati Bengals’ mandatory minicamp amid a contract standoff, a team source confirmed late Wednesday, stirring fresh concerns over rookie negotiations just weeks ahead of training camp.

The 6-foot-5 defensive end out of Texas A&M, selected 18th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had attended the first two days of minicamp but did not appear at Paul Brown Stadium on Wednesday morning. According to a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Stewart’s absence is tied to a delay in finalizing key details of his rookie deal.

While rookie holdouts have become increasingly rare under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, Stewart’s situation underscores the growing tension surrounding guaranteed money and offset language in first-round contracts.

Contract Dispute Centers Around Structure, Not Salary

League insiders say the dispute is not about the total value of the deal — which, under the rookie wage scale, is expected to be just over $14.5 million — but rather the structure of the guarantees and payment timing. Stewart's camp is reportedly pushing for a higher percentage of the guaranteed money to be paid upfront and seeking favorable offset terms that would protect his earnings in case of early release.

“The Bengals are known for being rigid when it comes to rookie contract language,” said former NFL agent Marcus Tilson. “This could be a situation where Stewart’s representation is trying to set a precedent, and the team is holding the line.”

Coach Taylor Downplays Absence, But Locker Room Buzzes

Head Coach Zac Taylor declined to go into specifics during his post-practice press conference but acknowledged Stewart’s absence.

“We’re working through some things,” Taylor said. “We fully expect Shemar to be ready to go for training camp. He’s a great talent, and we’re excited about what he’ll bring to the defense.”

Inside the locker room, however, players expressed a mix of surprise and support.

“Business is business,” said veteran defensive lineman B.J. Hill. “We all want Shemar here, but we respect him for doing what he needs to do.”

A Crucial Addition for a Rebuilding Defense

Stewart, a consensus All-American and one of the most dominant pass rushers in college football last season, is expected to be a cornerstone of a revamped Bengals defense. With longtime starter Sam Hubbard entering the final year of his deal and Trey Hendrickson requesting a trade earlier this spring, the Bengals are betting big on their young edge rusher to bring immediate impact.

Stewart has drawn comparisons to Myles Garrett for his explosive first step and relentless motor, and the Bengals’ front office was widely praised for the selection in April.

What's Next?

With the team’s preseason schedule kicking off in just under two months, both sides appear to be playing a high-stakes game of contract chicken. If an agreement isn’t reached before the start of training camp in late July, the standoff could cast a shadow over the Bengals’ preparations for a make-or-break season.

A team spokesperson declined to comment on the negotiations, while Stewart’s agent has not responded to repeated requests for comment.

For now, fans can only hope this contract impasse is a temporary wrinkle — not the start of a prolonged holdout that could sideline the Bengals’ most promising rookie in years.