Mike Brown Criticizes Shemar Stewart’s Contractual Situation
Cincinnati Bengals president Mike Brown didn’t mince words when discussing the contract situation of rookie Shemar Stewart. During the team’s annual luncheon with the media, Brown called the Bengals’ and Stewart’s inability to reach an agreement “nonsense.” Stewart, selected 17th overall in this year’s draft, is the only first-round pick who has yet to sign with his respective club. According to Brown, the key point in the negotiations is a dispute over the language in Stewart’s rookie contract, related to possible conduct detrimental to the team. This clause could void the guaranteed money owed to Stewart, a clause the Bengals recently added to reflect the practices of other teams in the league.Stewart did not participate in any training since the Bengals selected him in April. According to a source close to the negotiations, the team chose not to add additional language in the participation waiver that would have allowed Stewart to practice while both parties resolve the contract. Stewart did not show up with the other five rookies on the team on Sunday. Bengals executive Duke Tobin said he believed Cincinnati was likely the last team to implement that language in their contracts. He also criticized those around Stewart. “He’s listening to the advice he’s paying for,” Tobin said. “I don’t understand the advice. I don’t agree with it. It’s not me who’s paying for it, but that’s how it is.” Zac Hiller, Stewart’s agent, shared a statement about Tobin’s comments.“We’ve been here for a long time, this has never happened and that’s delaying this contract,” Brown said. “From our point of view, it’s a form of nonsense. It should just be done.”
Mike Brown
Before last weekend, Stewart and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., the team’s second-round pick, were the only members of Cincinnati’s draft class who hadn’t signed. However, Knight signed on Sunday, allowing him to participate in training camp. A source familiar with the negotiations said that similar terms were not offered to Stewart. Stewart is prepared to wait as long as necessary to sign an agreement he considers fair, according to a source. Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is also seeking a contract. Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and an All-Pro selection last season, has been seeking a long-term deal. It’s unclear if he will show up with the remaining veterans on Tuesday. Tobin said he expects all players under contract to show up. However, there is optimism from the top official of the Bengals’ main office about how to get Hendrickson on favorable terms before his final year under his current contract.“Duke Tobin has not had any involvement in this negotiation,” Hiller said. “He seems to be above his pay grade.”
Zac Hiller
“We are working to get Trey signed while we speak here,” Brown said. “There are people in the office working to make that happen. I think it will be done.”
Mike Brown
