Shemar Stewart Reportedly Working Out at Texas A&M amid Bengals Contract Dispute

Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart has yet to sign his rookie contract, but he's still gearing up for the 2025 season.

According to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the former Texas A&M defensive end is back on campus training at his alma mater's facilities.

Stewart was in attendance for OTAs but didn't participate in practice amid his contract dispute. He showed up for the first day of mandatory minicamp but left before the final practice session without working out.

According to John Breech of CBS Sports, the issue for Stewart arose when "the Bengals threw a curveball in their contract negotiations with him by adding new language to his deal that the Bengals didn't use with their past two first-round picks." The team reportedly "wants to add a default clause" that "would allow the Bengals to void future guarantees if he were to get into trouble." That would include suspensions for on-field incidents or any off-field issues.

Stewart is adamant that his four-year, $18.9 million rookie contract should be fully guaranteed without the additional language.

"I'm 100 percent right," Stewart said last month. "I'm not asking for nothing y'all have never done before. But in y'all case, y'all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games."

Stewart isn't the only Cincinnati player who's unhappy with the franchise. Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson has also remained away from the team after failed negotiations for a new contract. He has one year remaining on his deal and believes he's earned an extension after leading the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024.

The Bengals are running the risk of being without their top two edge rushers when they start training camp later this month. Stewart appears to be locked into his stance that he won't participate without a signed contract, so Cincinnati could have to compromise at some point.