Bengals dispute with Shemar Stewart could pave the way for future rookies

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a contract standoff with their 17th overall pick, Shemar Stewart, and the outcome could impact the entire league moving forward. 

Stewart is currently the only first-round selection that has not inked a deal. The dispute stems from a disagreement over the terms which could potentially void Stewart’s guaranteed salary. Agent, Zac Hiller, addressed the matter on SiriusXM Radio in late June, via Sports Illustrated's Russ Heltman. 

"Obviously if there's certain circumstances that happen, the team should be able to void. However, again, if you want to make changes to your precedent, it should be a negotiation. It should be give and take. It shouldn't just be, Hey, we're changing this and sign it or go scratch.”

Cincinnati’s proposed language has been used by many other NFL teams according to CBS Sports, but never before for Bengals rookies. Notably, first rounders, Amarius Mims, Myles Murphy and Daxton Hill all agreed to the same terms which Stewart’s side is seeking. 

Could Shemar Stewart return to Texas A&M if a contract is not reached?

Although the dispute appears quite simple, the implications that it could have on future negotiations could be monumental. Some rumors indicate that Stewart is considering re-entering the NFL Draft in 2026 or returning to Texas A&M for another season. 

It would likely require a lengthy legal battle with the NCAA for the right to return to college after declaring for the NFL Draft, but it is not out of the question. Recently, Stewart has been working out at the Texas A&M facility, which is what ignited the rumors in the first place. 

Again, this is a long shot due to the legal challenges that it would require, but if he was successful it would give rookies a lot of leverage in these negotiations moving forward. 

The more likely outcome for Stewart, if the sides fail to agree on a contract, is that he sits out and re-enters the NFL Draft in 2026. This is the worst case scenario for everyone. The Bengals defense is in dire need of a boost and Stewart needs to prove himself as a productive asset at the next level. An entire year away from football would likely cause Stewart to slide out of the first round entirely. 

Whichever route Stewart’s camp decides to take, it will leave a lasting impact. A decision to succumb to the Bengals’ terms would cement the leverage of NFL clubs in rookie negotiations while his departure would pave the way for future rookies to do the same.