The Cincinnati Bengals are currently embroiled in a contract dispute with defensive end Shemar Stewart, which centers around specific contractual language regarding the potential voiding of guarantees. At the heart of the matter is the Bengals' desire to clarify that any default occurring in any year of the contract will eliminate all future guarantees. This has led to some confusion and contention within the organization.
According to sources within the Bengals organization, there is a belief that the existing contract language already achieves the intended effect. This raises a critical question: why not simply adhere to the language used in the contract signed last year by tackle Amarius Mims, who was the 18th overall pick in the draft? Despite this potential solution, the Bengals are adamant about modifying the contract terms offered to Shemar Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 draft.
This situation highlights the Bengals' established practices that they now wish to amend. To facilitate the desired change in Stewart's contract, the Bengals may need to offer another adjustment. This could involve a minor alteration to the signing bonus payout schedule or any other term that could serve as a bargaining chip. By making a change in one area, they aim to secure the modification they want in another.
Currently, the Bengals' insistence on altering the contract language has resulted in Shemar Stewart missing the entire offseason program. If a resolution is not reached before training camp, he risks missing additional time, which could severely impact his preparation for the upcoming season. This situation places Stewart at a disadvantage, making him less ready for Week 1 compared to his peers. The responsibility for this setback ultimately falls on the Bengals, especially given their recent history of allowing contract disputes to hinder player readiness for critical games.
As highlighted by the Bengals' experience in 2024, even losing a single game can be detrimental to playoff aspirations. With potential playoff contention on the line, it is essential for the Bengals to resolve this issue promptly. Fortunately, this contract dispute could be quickly rectified, but it appears that the Bengals often complicate matters unnecessarily.
In conclusion, the ongoing contract dispute between the Bengals and Shemar Stewart underscores the complexities of NFL contracts and the importance of clear communication. As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Bengals choose to navigate this challenge and whether it will ultimately affect their performance in the upcoming season.
