Shemar Stewart exits Bengals minicamp with out signing rookie deal

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The rift between the Cincinnati Bengals and first-round decide Shemar Stewart has reached a brand new degree, because the Texas A&M product has reportedly left the ultimate day of obligatory minicamp together with his rookie contract nonetheless not signed.

Pro Football Talk reported Stewart leaving minicamp wasn’t due to the contract disagreement he has with the Bengals, however relatively "he didn’t wish to be a distraction" for his teammates who're collaborating.

Nonetheless, Stewart’s contract scenario has baffled many within the soccer world, which explains behind him not being on the sphere together with his teammates.

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The Bengals' 2025 draft decide Shemar Stewart (IMAGN)

Stewart, the seventeenth total decide within the 2025 NFL Draft in April, publicly addressed not being on the sphere throughout the Bengals’ minicamp practices because of not having inked his rookie deal.

"I’m 100% proper," he advised reporters on Tuesday. "I’m not asking for nothing y’all (the Bengals) have by no means carried out earlier than. However in y’all case, y’all simply wish to win arguments (extra) than profitable extra video games."

The Bengals are reportedly making an attempt to alter the best way their first-round rookie contracts are carried out, which might enable the group to void future ensures. Stewart doesn’t really feel his contract language must be completely different, with Professional Soccer Speak mentioning Amarius Mims, the group’s first-round decide final yr, not having that language in his deal.

BENGALS ROOKIE SHEMAR STEWART STANDS FIRM IN CONTRACT BATTLE: ‘I’M 100% RIGHT'

Stewart was a better decide than Mims as properly.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor mentioned he had "good communication" with Stewart earlier than leaving camp.

Given the Bengals’ contract issues with different gamers – star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has his personal problem together with his deal in Cincinnati – Taylor gave his ideas on Stewart’s scenario.

Bengals defensive finish Shemar Stewart throughout rookie minicamp on Might 9, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. (IMAGN)

"There’s a primary for all the pieces," he advised reporters. "Yearly, you kinda be taught one thing new on this place, and that is simply a type of issues that the gamers have managed rather well. We hold the group transferring, and when he jumps on the sphere, that’ll be nice for our group."

Previous to leaving, Stewart was attending group conferences and finding out his new playbook. However he is aware of how a lot being on the sphere makes a distinction.

"You gotta get your physique considerably ready to play soccer, particularly me coming from school. The NFL is a method bodily recreation, despite the fact that I performed within the SEC, which may be very bodily. Nothing compares to truly taking part in within the NFL. I assumed I’d be on the sphere by now," he mentioned.

Stewart was thought of a uncooked prospect popping out of the Aggies’ program , somebody who possesses super athletic skill however must shore up the technical points of taking part in outdoors linebacker.

Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft decide Shemar Stewart speaks throughout a press convention, April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium. (IMAGN)

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He’s hoping to try this for years to return in Cincinnati, and although the contract scenario is lower than best, he doesn’t have any unwell will for the franchise.