Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals rookie defensive end, might not play for the team after all in the 2025 NFL season. Stewart has openly admitted his frustration with his rookie contract and reportedly does not like the language used in the agreement, which reveals that the defensive end might not make much in guaranteed money.
As a result of his growing frustration regarding the contract, Stewart has chosen to skip the training camp. There are also rumors that Stewart might simply go back to playing college football with the Texas A&M Aggies.
“He needs to be here. I would encourage him to be here. … He’s listening to the advice he’s paying for (from his agents). I don’t understand the advice. … We’re treating him fairly.” Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel, Dick Tobin, spoke about Shemar Stewart missing the training camp as per insider, Ari Meirov.
#Bengals executive Duke Tobin on Shemar Stewart, who is still unsigned:
“He needs to be here. I would encourage him to be here. … He’s listening to the advice he’s paying for (from his agents). I don’t understand the advice … We’re treating him fairly.” pic.twitter.com/LAbmQiSS65
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 21, 2025
Shemar Stewart was bagged by the Cincinnati Bengals in the very first round of the NFL draft and was immediately considered to be one of the best decisions that the team has taken. Stewart is not the only rookie this season who has expressed disgruntlement regarding their contract. Team owners in the NFL have also collectively agreed to not give any guaranteed money contracts to any rookie, which has brought about mixed reactions from the public.
Shemar Stewart’s Contract Situation Called ‘Foolishness’ By Mike Brown
Meanwhile, it looks like everyone in the Cincinnati Bengals team management is frustrated with Shemar Stewart’s contract situation. A couple of days back, Bengals president Mike Brown remarked in the team’s media luncheon that it is simply foolishness that both parties have not been able to reach a conclusion regarding Stewart’s agreement.
“We’ve been here for a long time, it’s never happened and that’s holding up this contract. From our vantage point, it’s a form of foolishness. It just ought to get done.” Cincinnati Bengals president Mike Brown spoke about Shemar Stewart’s contract situation at the media luncheon.
With or without Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals will be hoping for a better season this time out when compared to their previous year where they failed to make it anywhere near the playoffs. The Bengals will be soon kicking off their 2025 NFL campaign with a matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The Bengals’ offense will be headed by none other than starting quarterback, Joe Burrow this season.
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