SHEMAR STEWART sensationally sat out drills practice with the Cincinnati Bengals due to a contract dispute with the franchise.
Stewart was snapped up by the Bengals in the 2025 NFL Draft last month as the 17th overall draft pick.
The Cincinnati Bengals signed Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft[/caption]
Edge Rusher Stewart was over the moon to have signed with the franchise[/caption]
But he hasn’t taken part in training drills during the rookie’s mini training camp due to a contract dispute[/caption]
The Bengals’ rookies are already preparing for the 2025 season with a mini training camp.
But the defensive end refused to set foot on the practice field as his rookie contract has yet to be finalised.
NBC claim the Bengals brass have tried to get Stewart to put pen to paper.
But negotiations are said to have broken down due to “the percentage of compensation to be paid as a training-camp roster bonus.”
The Bengals’ offer to Stewart is said to be a “LOWER PERCENTAGE” than last year’s 17th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Dallas Turner, received.
Texas A&M Edge Stewart was projected to sign a four-year deal worth $18.9million.
He was also expected to receive a $10.4m signing bonus.
Bengals fans have reacted in droves to the contract standoff.
Shemar Stewart was projected to sign a four-year deal worth $18.million[/caption]
One wrote on X: “Not a good start.”
Another said: “I wouldn’t practice without a contract either.
“They’re running a business and he is his own business. Anyone criticising him is off base.
And another said: The Bengals are forever cheap!”
One remarked: “Typical Bengals.”
Another chimed in: “Not good.”
When quizzed about his contract situation last week, Stewart said: “I just decided not to sign those papers.”
He added: “I would love to be part of the team.
“I hate being on the sidelines just looking at everybody else doing work. [It’s been tough], especially on the first day.”
Idling on the sidelines has been “tough” for Stewart, whose arrival greatly excited Bengals fans.
“It was kind of tough on me,” he admitted. “I’m doing everything else, just like on-the-field stuff I’m not doing.”
