Bengals Face Holdout, Contract Dispute With Shemar Stewart

Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals' first-round pick, remains unsigned due to a contract dispute centered on the team's attempt to include new language that would limit the guarantees in his rookie contract, a move his agent, Zac Hiller, calls unprecedented and less protective compared to previous Bengals' contracts. Stewart has held out from offseason workouts and practice without signing a practice injury waiver, which is rare for a rookie, and his agent has publicly criticized the Bengals for a 'sign it or go scratch' approach rather than negotiating changes based on precedent. Despite the standoff, Stewart's agent emphasizes that Stewart wants to play for Cincinnati and simply seeks contract terms consistent with those of his teammates. Reports vary on whether the Bengals' proposed contract language is standard league practice or a departure, with some analysts noting the Bengals aim to impose more team-friendly terms without offering concessions. The situation is unusual as no other team has failed to sign their first-round pick before trading them, and speculation about a potential trade grows as the impasse continues. Both sides are expected to eventually compromise to resolve the dispute ahead of training camp.