Shemar Stewart at Hold-In: Contractual Tension in the Bengals
Defensive end Shemar Stewart, a key figure in the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 draft class, has been observing the team’s voluntary practices from a distance, marking a “hold-in” situation.
The reason behind Stewart’s inactivity, the 17th overall draft pick from Texas A&M, is an apparent modification in the contractual language for rookies.
I’m not asking for anything outlandish. I’m not even asking for anything. I just want things to be consistent. I want consistent language as in previous contracts. I will not practice until that happens.
Shemar Stewart
It is common for rookies’ contracts not to be signed while players transition from college football to the pros. Linebacker Demetrius Knight, the team’s second-round pick, also does not have a signed contract, but he does participate in voluntary workouts.
Initially, the dispute centered on the amount of salary paid as a bonus for the training list, according to a source. However, that issue has diminished as other first-round picks have signed deals across the league.
Now, the dispute has moved to the contractual language, which appears to be materially different from the agreements granted to previous first-round picks of Cincinnati. The conflict arises from the wording that could affect the guaranteed money in the rookie deals, which would set a precedent for future Bengals contracts, according to a source.
Last year, Bengals offensive tackle Amarius Mims participated in training without a signed contract. A source familiar with that negotiation indicated that Mims did not assume any contractual risk before signing with the team.
On Tuesday, as in other practices open to the media, Stewart wore his number 97 jersey, observed the repetitions, and took mental repetitions.
I’m just trying to stay involved.
Shemar Stewart
No training is required at the offseason events until the team’s mandatory minicamp, which is scheduled to begin on June 10.
Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase had a limited participation in minicamp last year, which eventually led to a “hold-in” during training camp amid a contract dispute.
