Shemar Stewart's Contract Dispute Shadows Bengals Minicamp
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Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart is making headlines, but not for the reasons the team hoped. While veteran Trey Hendrickson's absence due to contract extension demands grabbed initial attention, Stewart, the Bengals' first-round pick (No. 17 overall), is present at mandatory minicamp but not participating due to a contract dispute. This situation throws a wrench into the Bengals' offseason preparations and raises questions about team-player relations.
The Root of the Issue
According to Bengals beat reporter Kelsey Conway, Stewart is requesting contract language that mirrors that of recent Bengals first-round picks Amarius Mims and Myles Murphy, both selected later than him. This suggests Stewart believes he deserves the same contractual benefits as his peers, setting up a potentially precedent-setting battle with the Bengals organization.
Stewart's Frustration
Stewart's disappointment is palpable. "I'm 100 percent right. I'm not asking for nothing y'all have never done before. But in y'all case, y'all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games," Stewart reportedly stated, indicating a breakdown in communication and a perceived unwillingness from the Bengals to negotiate in good faith.
He further expressed disbelief, stating, "I've been doing this for most of my whole life, and then all of a sudden it's gone over something very simple to fix. It's kind of disappointing." The implication is that the sticking points are minor and easily resolvable, making the impasse all the more frustrating for the young pass rusher.
A Precedent Being Set?
The question remains: Why are the Bengals seemingly drawing a line in the sand with Stewart? When asked if the team had explained their reasoning, Stewart cryptically responded, "I can't say what I really want to say, but it's their contract. They can do what they want with it." This suggests a power dynamic where the Bengals are asserting their right to structure contracts as they see fit, regardless of player expectations.
While Stewart may not have had stellar statistics at Texas A&M, his raw talent and potential clearly attracted the Bengals, who invested a significant draft pick in him. This contract dispute puts pressure on both the team and the player to find a resolution that allows Stewart to contribute to the team's success and avoids a prolonged standoff.
- Stewart wants his contract to reflect those of Mims and Murphy.
- He believes the issue is easily resolvable.
- The Bengals may be trying to set a new contract precedent.
The situation involving Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks last season, further complicates the Bengals' defensive preparations. With two key pass rushers potentially sidelined, the team faces a critical need to address these contract disputes quickly.