Cincinnati Bengals rookie pass-rusher Shemar Stewart attended OTAs earlier this week, but like minicamps prior to it, didn’t participate as his contract impasse with the team continues.
Unlike other first-round picks around the NFL yet to officially sign their contracts, Stewart continues to lean into his leverage by not fully participating with his teammates.
Stewart’s reported issue with the language of his contract stems from the team apparently attempting to set a new precedent regarding voidance terms, starting with his contract.
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The Bengals have every right to seek a change in contract language, starting with rookies, apparently. And Stewart and his reps have every right to point at their longstanding history of contracts and take issue with the change.
Right now is an odd time for the Bengals to get after this, though. Stewart was a traits vs. production prospect who clearly needed developmental time to reach his potential. Instead, he’s watching from the sidelines in a jersey with no end in sight going into the summer.
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