The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping to save money in the event that edge rusher Shemar Stewart’s career goes sideways. But how much is it worth to have a first-round pick on the field?
Cincinnati is insisting upon including a clause that would void Stewart’s remaining guarantees in the event he violates his deal, per Pro Football Talk. The organization has not pulled this stunt with its recent first-round picks.
As such, Stewart has remained steadfast in his holdout, skipping the practice portion of organized team activities (OTAs) and, now, minicamp.
The Bengals' rookie broke his silence on the contract dispute when he spoke to reporters on Tuesday.
“I still go to meetings. I still study my playbook, taking down the right notes,” Stewart said, via Mike Petraglia. “Whenever I get free time, I go out to train at Black Sheep.”
Having not proven anything, a share of fans will be skeptical of the rookie’s perspective. But there is little reason for Stewart to be treated differently from his predecessors, and the Bengals have not earned the benefit of the doubt. Months after getting delayed deals done for receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the organization has still kicked the can down the road on extending edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
“We all agree Trey will be alright,” he said. "But technically, he’s still one percent wrong for being under my contract. In my case, I’m 100 percent right, so it should be a no-brainer. In Trey’s case, I think it should be a no-brainer, too. He had 17.5 sacks for two years back-to-back. If I was the GM or I was the owner, take all my money. But I guess they don’t operate like that.”
Part of what makes Cincinnati a bad-faith actor here is how easy it would be not to find itself in this mess. This isn’t a massive extension for an edge rusher on the wrong side of 30. Even if things go bad, the financial loss is almost negligible. Even if the Bengals get what they want, they won’t see the cap benefits unless Stewart trends downward anyway.
They just invested the 17th pick of the NFL Draft in him! They must think he will be in position to succeed. It is nonsensical, even for a cash-strapped ownership group looking to pinch pennies.
“Something very simple to fix,” Stewart admitted. “It’s kind of disappointing.”
Fans might take solace in Stewart working out on the side to keep himself in shape, but it remains less than ideal that he isn’t practicing with the team; even if the returns would be miniscule. He’s doing his part to make an impact upon his return.
“I’m always ready to go,” Stewart said. “I’ve been staying ready to go. It’s my job now, I have no choice but to be ready to go.”
The Bengals aren’t kneecapping Stewart’s rookie season, presuming they eventually cave. But how will Stewart feel when it’s time to negotiate again in a few years?
In an attempt to save a few bucks, Cincinnati is setting itself up to spend more, both tangibly and intangibly, at the end of Stewart’s contract.