The Cincinnati Bengals cannot seem to avoid contract controversies.
Discussions about receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins dominated the early offseason. Both were eventually paid handsomely. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, the best player on the Bengals' defense, has not.
Hendrickson’s uncertain future played a role in Cincinnati drafting edge rusher Shemar Stewart in Round 1. The team could ill afford to be without a potent edge rusher come 2025, and it is obviously stronger with both on the field.
Now, Stewart is following in Hendrickson’s footsteps. Bengals fans are worried as the first-round pick remains unsigned.
Both his rookie contract and an injury waiver are without his signature. The latter would protect Stewart in the event he got injured during on-field workouts during minicamp.
Instead, Stewart has opted to do everything but the on-field portion of his responsibilities.
“I just decided not to sign those [waiver] papers,” Stewart said, via video from Caleb Noe. “I’m doing everything else. It’s just like on-the-field stuff I’m not doing.”
There are a number of reasons why Stewart might be holding out, from offset language to how bonuses are paid out. Stewart’s reasons aren’t clear, but aren’t less valid because of that.
Stewart has remained adamant that he is excited to get on the field and is doing what he can to foster development before his deal gets signed.
“I would love to be a part of the team. I hate being on the sideline looking at everybody else do work,” Stewart said.
Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor didn’t seem overly concerned when asked about Stewart and second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight II having not put pen to paper. The fanbase shouldn’t be, either.
Stewart isn’t alone in his decision – 21 first-round picks haven’t signed. Some are participating in practice, making his absence notable, but it remains far more likely that these issues get sorted out and Stewart makes everyone forget about it with his early-season play than any kind of irreparable damage.
It’s worth monitoring, sure. But panicking isn’t necessarily until the Bengals’ actions suggest as much.