Bengals' Shemar Stewart Escalates Contract Holdout

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has escalated his contract dispute by skipping the final day of mandatory minicamp, moving from a 'hold-in' to a full holdout. The standoff revolves around a proposed clause that would allow the Bengals to void future guaranteed money if Stewart defaults in any year, a provision not imposed on previous first-round picks. Stewart seeks consistency with prior rookie deals and aims to avoid setting a negative precedent. Head coach Zac Taylor and team leaders have acknowledged the distraction but maintain positive communication with Stewart and are focusing on players present at camp. The situation has drawn criticism from fans, former players, and union representatives, who argue the Bengals' approach is unfair and could harm team culture. The outcome of this dispute may influence future NFL rookie contract structures.