The Cincinnati Bengals are at odds with their first-round draft pick before he has even played a game for the team.
No. 17 overall pick Shemar Stewart is with the Bengals during their mandatory minicamp, but is refusing to practice due to a contract standoff. According to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals are trying to insert language in Stewart’s rookie contract that could allow the team to void future guarantees.
On Tuesday, Stewart spoke to the media about the dispute. He accused the Bengals’ front office of wanting to “win arguments” instead of games, and claimed that he has the backing of the team’s stars in his standoff.
“I’m 100 percent right. I’m not asking for nothing y’all have never done before. But in y’all case, y’all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games,” Stewart said of the team’s front office.
Another key quote from Shemar Stewart. By "y'all" he means the Bengals front office.
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) June 10, 2025
"I'm 100 percent right. I'm not asking for nothing y'all have never done before. But in y'all case, y'all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games."
Shemar Stewart spoke at his locker just a bit ago. Will have more later, but one thing of note he said is stars in the locker room are telling him he's doing the right thing.
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) June 10, 2025
The Bengals have a reputation for being thrifty, and this offseason has only furthered that perception. Though the team did pay both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they are in a very public contract dispute with Trey Hendrickson, and are now facing this drama with Sanders.
The standoff with Stewart has opened the door for rivals to take shots at both him and the Bengals, but the rookie clearly thinks he is taking a principled stand. If his veteran teammates agree with him, the Bengals will find themselves in a tough spot.
