### Bengals' First-Round Pick Shemar Stewart Faces Contract Standoff, Leaving Minicamp The Cincinnati Bengals are currently embroiled in a contract dispute with their first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart, who was selected 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The situation escalated recently when Stewart left mandatory minicamp after failing to reach an agreement on his rookie contract. The crux of the disagreement lies in specific language regarding contract guarantees and payment structures, which the Bengals have altered compared to previous first-round picks. This impasse has led to Stewart's absence from team activities, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season and the potential impact on team dynamics. ### Breakdown of the Contract Dispute and Its Implications 1. **Contract Negotiation Issues** - Stewart's holdout stems from disagreements over contract language that could affect the guarantees in his deal. The Bengals are proposing terms that differ from those of their last two first-round picks, which Stewart's camp finds unacceptable [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bengals_first_round_pick_leaves_minicamp_amid_dispute/s1_127_42318847]. 2. **Stewart's Actions and Team Response** - Initially, Stewart attended the first two days of minicamp but did not participate in drills. He ultimately decided to leave to avoid being a distraction to his teammates [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bengals_first_round_de_shemar_stewart_leaving_mandatory_minicamp_amidst_contract_disputes/s1_17039_42318491]. - Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the communication with Stewart has been positive, but he refrained from making predictions about a resolution before training camp [https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45500644/nfl-bengals-shemar-stewart-contract-holdout-trade-college]. 3. **Historical Context of Rookie Contracts** - Rookie contract disputes have become less common due to the league's wage scale, which standardizes contracts for draft picks. However, higher draft picks like Stewart still have points of negotiation, particularly regarding guarantees and payment structures [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bengals_de_shemar_stewart_wont_participate_in_minicamp_as_contract_dispute_drags_on/s1_17039_42308626]. ### Evidence Supporting the Current Situation - **Contractual Discrepancies**: The Bengals are attempting to implement new clauses that could void guarantees under certain conditions, which is a departure from the contracts of previous first-round picks [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bengals_first_round_pick_leaves_minicamp_amid_dispute/s1_127_42318847]. - **Stewart's Statements**: Stewart has expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing that he is merely seeking a contract that aligns with what past first-round picks have received [https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/shemar-stewart-has-left-bengals-minicamp-and-its-the-teams-fault-for-their-ridiculous-haggling-142900781.html]. - **Impact on Team Dynamics**: Stewart's absence from minicamp could hinder his integration into the team and affect his performance in the upcoming season [https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/sports/football/bengals-rookie-shemar-stewart-leaves-team-minicamp-without-contract/article_7633aa5a-92de-566f-a926-7ba8b196cd3e.html]. ### Conclusion: The Path Forward for Shemar Stewart and the Bengals In summary, the ongoing contract dispute between Shemar Stewart and the Cincinnati Bengals has led to significant implications for both the player and the team. 1. **Current Status**: Stewart has left minicamp due to unresolved contract issues, which could affect his readiness for the season. 2. **Negotiation Challenges**: The Bengals' proposed changes to contract language are at the heart of the disagreement, diverging from previous contracts for first-round picks. 3. **Future Outlook**: The resolution of this dispute is critical for Stewart's integration into the team and the Bengals' overall performance in the upcoming season. The situation remains fluid, and both parties will need to find common ground to move forward effectively [https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/why-shemar-stewart-holding-out-bengals-rookie-contract/6a9ac691b5babd80372dce0d].