Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart leaves mandatory minicamp amid contract dispute

Shemar Stewart remains without a rookie contract, and as a result, he’s now absent from the Cincinnati Bengals’ mandatory minicamp.

According to a Thursday morning update from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is officially not participating, with sources confirming that Stewart still hasn't inked his rookie deal. His holdout continues to be a developing story as the Bengals work to get their first-rounder signed and back in the building.

The standoff between the Cincinnati Bengals and Shemar Stewart, their first-round pick from Texas A&M, is only intensifying.

The dispute stems from a disagreement over a specific clause in Stewart’s rookie deal, an issue serious enough that the defensive end hasn't taken part in any on-field offseason work. He remains one of just five first-rounders yet to sign on the dotted line.

Rather than progress being made, things seem to be moving in the opposite direction.

Speaking to reporters from his locker on Tuesday, the No. 17 overall selection doubled down on his position, insisting he’s standing firm in the contract standoff. Stewart has yet to agree to either his rookie contract or the standard participation waiver while negotiations over the contract language remain unresolved.

What's fueling his frustration? Stewart is reportedly irked that neither of the Bengals' two most recent first-rounders, Myles Murphy (31st in 2023) and Amarius Mims (18th in 2024)—were asked to accept similar contract terms, despite being drafted later than him.

At this point, there's no clear end in sight.

Stewart made it clear after Day 1 of mandatory minicamp that he doesn’t believe he’s the reason things have stalled. But how far is he willing to push it?

The Bengals could look to move on and trade him to another team before the August 5 deadline. On Stewart’s side, if he drags this into the season, he must sign by Week 10 to remain eligible to play in 2025. Or, in a bold twist, he could sit out the year entirely and re-enter the draft pool in 2026.

Here's some of the quick reaction from the NFL world on the news:

Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., the Bengals’ second-round selection, is still waiting to ink his rookie deal. Unlike Shemar Stewart, though, Knight has taken part in team activities, including Day 1 of minicamp, showing no signs of a holdout despite the paperwork delay.

Meanwhile, Stewart isn't the only pass rusher at odds with the franchise over contract matters. Veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson skipped mandatory minicamp altogether as he pushes for a long-term extension, with his current deal entering its final year.

The contract drama has clearly cast a shadow over camp, with quarterback Joe Burrow admitting the situation has become a distraction. Still, much like Stewart, Hendrickson has the full backing of the locker room as he digs in for better terms with the front office.