The Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar Stewart have successfully reached an agreement on a four-year contract worth $18.97 million, as confirmed by his agent, Zac Hiller, to The Athletic on Friday. This contract also includes a substantial signing bonus of $10.4 million. This agreement marks a significant milestone for both the Bengals and Stewart, particularly following his decision to leave the team's mandatory minicamp earlier this week due to the unsigned contract.
According to a reliable league source, Stewart voluntarily departed from the camp to avoid distracting his teammates while he negotiated his contract. Despite stepping away, Stewart did not shy away from expressing his frustrations during a contract standoff in June. The dispute primarily arose from specific language included in his rookie deal, particularly a clause that permitted the Bengals to void the guaranteed money if Stewart engaged in conduct detrimental to the team. This includes actions like injuring himself during prohibited activities or committing criminal offenses.
As of Friday, Shemar Stewart was one of only two draft picks from this year's selection who had not yet signed a contract. With this agreement in place, only Quinshon Judkins, the second-round pick from the Cleveland Browns, remains unsigned. Drafted at pick number 17 out of Texas A&M, the 21-year-old defensive end has made headlines not only for his potential on the field but also for his candid remarks regarding the contract situation. “I’m 100 percent right,” Stewart stated in June, emphasizing that his requests were not unreasonable. “I’m not asking for nothing y’all have never done before. But in y’all case, y’all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games.”
In addition to Stewart's contract resolution, the Bengals are currently navigating another contract saga involving star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was absent from minicamp amid his own contract extension discussions. Hendrickson's absence contributes to a challenging offseason for the Bengals, as he awaits a new deal. Currently, he is in the final year of a contract extension signed in 2023, which includes one year and $16 million remaining, alongside a cap hit of $18.3 million.
This series of contract negotiations highlights the ongoing challenges and dynamics within the NFL, as teams strive to balance player expectations with financial realities. The resolution of Shemar Stewart's contract is a step forward for the Bengals, allowing him to focus on preparing for the upcoming season while also bringing a sense of stability to the team.
