Bengals Face Rookie, Veteran Contract Holdouts

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is holding out from on-field minicamp activities due to a contract dispute over a proposed clause that would allow the team to void all remaining guaranteed money if he defaults in any contract year, differing from previous deals that only voided guarantees for the specific year of default. Stewart is demanding the same contract terms as prior Bengals first-rounders and has publicly criticized the team's stance. He continues to attend team meetings and has the support of veteran teammates. The standoff is occurring alongside a separate contract holdout by veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. These dual disputes are fueling perceptions of the Bengals' frugal approach and raising concerns about the team's defensive readiness for training camp. The resolution of Stewart's contract could set a precedent for future rookie negotiations across the NFL.