Shemar Stewart was the first-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, but has refused to sign the rookie contract. It is because he found some issues with a specific language in his contract, which has raised disputes. Moreover, Stewart is the 17th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but is not participating in any on-field activities. The rookie contract guarantees $18.94 million to Shemar Stewart, which highlights the average wage scale compensation of the team. However, unlike other agreements, the Cincinnati Bengals want to include an extra language in their contract. This matter has sparked disputes with the contract setting officials.
Contract Negotiations over a Said-Default Clause
The Cincinnati Bengals have appealed to extend a new clause to Shemar Stewart’s contract to protect the team. Stewart’s recent controversies make it a valid concern for the team. Thus, they have appealed for a future guarantee for the players in case of any legal violations by any individual. This clause was not included in the first-round pick agreement and thus, is a new language for the contract makers.
The former NFL team executive, Andrew Brandt, mentioned that the contract will protect the team in case Stewards faces any legal consequences. He could get arrested for off-field or on-field conduct, which may lead to his suspension. Steward mentioned how people are more focused on winning an argument than a game.
Shemar Stewart’s Financial Condition
Shemar Stewart has an advantage over the former rookies, as he possesses NIL earnings he got during his career at Texas A&M. While the other rookies feel pressure while neglecting a contract, he doesn’t have to worry much about it. He’s financially stable due to the likeness compensations, image, and name he earned during his career at Texas A&M.
As he extends a negotiation for a change in his rookie contract, it will not impact him much financially. This guarantees a change in the contractual clauses for the betterment of the team and their security.
Alternate options with Shemar Stewart if the negotiation is unsuccessful
It is not an adrenaline rush, which has laid Shemar Stewart’s negotiable conditions on the table. Stewart has strategised his plan and moves for any possible situation if the negotiation is unsuccessful. If he doesn’t participate in the 2025 NFL Draft, he can still re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft, according to Article 6 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. However, it is only applicable if he remains unsigned and does not play football for the whole year.
Moreover, the re-entry procedure allows him to get into any team other than the Cincinnati Bengals. According to the information, he has two options: sign the contract by Tuesday, or lose his 2025 playing eligibility.
Possibility of Trade or return to Texas A&M
Stewart has another option than dropping his 2025 playing eligibility in football. He can request a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals to avoid signing a negotiable rookie contract. However, trade is only possible if done at least a month before the NFL Draft session begins. Therefore, he might have the time of August 5 or August 8 to request a trade from the team.
If he doesn’t use any of the above two options, it might pave the way to the third alternative. The third option says that Stewart might return to Texas A&M, from where he began his glorious career. According to Bud Elliot, a CBS Sports College Analyst, Stewart has been spotted working out on the grounds of Texas A&M this summer. Therefore, it is anticipated that he might return for a senior session at Texas A&M.
According to the NCAA rules, a draft player is not permitted to return to college football after being selected. However, Stewart seems to challenge them by doing the exact opposite.
Impact on the Cincinnati Bengals by Steward’s backoff
Two of the important players in the Cincinnati Bengals are absent when not much time left for the beginning of the session. It has affected the defense strategy of the team, which was already rated poorly in the last season. Trey Hendrickson’s absence in the preparation has made their condition worse, as they had the potential to accelerate the stagnant defense system of the team.
Conclusion
The Bengals have faced many holdouts like this in the past due to contractual negotiations. The largest holdout ever in the Bengals was for 31 days by Joey Bosa in 2016, for the same reasons. The team is strict on its contract terms and thus doesn’t entertain many negotiations.
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