Bengals’ First-Round Pick Shemar Stewart Disputes Contract Terms Amid Minicamp Absence
Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals’ 35th overall NFL Draft pick, left the team’s minicamp due to a contentious contract dispute over language allowing the team to void future guarantees. This has sparked debate within the football community, with Stewart asserting he is ‘100% right’ in his stance. The situation highlights the team’s ongoing challenges with contract negotiations, particularly with other players like Trey Hendrickson also facing similar issues.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the situation but emphasized the importance of maintaining team cohesion and moving forward with preparations. Taylor noted that communication with Stewart was good, despite the absence of the rookie from team activities. Stewart, who was considered a raw prospect from Texas A&M, expressed the importance of being on the field to prepare for the NFL’s physical demands. He stated, “You gotta get your body somewhat prepared to play football, especially me coming from college. The NFL is a way physical game, even though I played in the SEC, which is very physical. Nothing compares to actually playing in the NFL.”
The contract dispute has raised questions about the team’s approach to rookie contracts, particularly as Stewart’s situation mirrors similar issues with other players. While Stewart is eager to contribute, the absence from team activities could impact his readiness for the upcoming season. Despite the challenges, Stewart remains committed to the franchise, stating, “Iām still new here. We still have a long future ahead of us.” This situation continues to draw attention and could have implications for the Bengals’ team dynamics and performance in the coming season.