Shemar Stewart: ‘I am completely confident’ in Bengals contract disagreement

The Cincinnati Bengals Contract Situation

The Cincinnati Bengals are navigating some contract challenges as Shemar Stewart, a rookie, has yet to practice during the team’s mandatory mini-camp due to not signing a contract.

This offseason, the Bengals managed to resolve Tee Higgins’ contract issues, but they still find themselves working through the negotiations with top edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Meanwhile, their first-round picks, including Stewart, are anxiously pushing for deals that meet their expectations.

Stewart, who played at Texas A&M and was drafted 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, has missed practice sessions this summer. Reports indicate that the team is keen on ensuring that Stewart’s future guarantees aren’t compromised.

Stewart expressed concerns about how the ongoing contract negotiations are unfolding, highlighting a feeling that the Bengals seem more focused on winning disputes rather than prioritizing team success. “I’m 100% correct,” he stated about his position on his rookie contract, indicating that his requests aren’t unreasonable based on what others have received.

Interestingly, he mentioned that he isn’t sure what specific terms he’s looking for but still feels strongly about getting it resolved. Despite his absence from practice, he remains engaged by studying the playbook and utilizing his free time to train.

“I need to be well-prepared for football, especially coming from college. The NFL is a tough game, even if I played in a competitive conference,” he remarked. Stewart, being viewed as a raw talent, shows remarkable athletic potential but needs to refine his technical skills for the linebacker position.

While the contract situation is a bit complicated, Stewart is hopeful about a long-term career in Cincinnati and clarifies that he holds no ill will towards the organization. “I’m still new here. We still have a long future ahead of us,” he remarked optimistically.