CLEVELAND, Ohio — The standoff continues between the Cincinnati Bengals and their 2025 first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart, as he’s left mandatory minicamp, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Stewart was still participating in team activities and was around the building despite being unsigned, per ESPN.
But now his early exit from minicamp creates a thicker plot.
When Cincinnati used its 17th overall selection on Stewart in April, it added to a struggling defense that tied for 24th in yards allowed (348.3), and tied for 25th in points allowed (25.5).
However, the vision with Stewart sporting Bengals colors has hit a bump.
This is due to a continued dispute over his rookie contract. Cincinnati is trying to set a new precedent with rookie contracts that allows the team to void future guarantees.
However, head coach Zac Taylor brings a perspective of experience for how such situations usually turn out, per Brad Crawford of CBS Sports.
“There’s a first for everything,” Taylor said on Thursday. “Every year you kind of learn something new in this position. And this is one of those things that the players have managed really well, and we keep the team moving. And when he jumps on the field, it’ll be great for our team.”
It’s been an interesting week for Cincinnati’s edge rushers.
All-Pro Trey Hendrickson has his own ongoing standoff with the Bengals, due to wanting a new deal.
Having signed a one-year contract extension through the 2025 season back in 2023, Hendrickson looks to cash out after winning the NFL sacks title (17.5) and earning his first career first-team All-Pro selection.
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