Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart speaks during a press conference, Friday, April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati. Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Shemar Stewart’s Agent Claps Back At Bengals Front Office as Contract Standoff Continues

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 2:17 PM ET

The Bengals' contract standoff with Shemar Stewart took another turn on Monday with traded barbs between director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, and Stewart's agent, Zac Hiller.

Tobin doesn't "understand the advice" Stewart is getting, and Hiller claimed Tobin isn't even involved in the negotiations via a phone conversation with NBC Sports' Mike Florio.

“Duke Tobin has had no involvement in this negotiation. It seems to be above his pay grade," Hiller told Florio.

Around the wheel we spin as the two sides argue over contract language tied to the idea that, as written, Stewart's current offer would have future guaranteed money in jeopardy if he were to get in trouble with the team at any point during the life of the deal.

There is also reportedly an issue over when Stewart's signing bonus payouts would trigger. Check out more on both issues here with training camp set to kick off on Wednesday.