The Cincinnati Bengals’ rookie minicamp kicked off this Friday, but one name fans were eager to see on the field was missing in action. Shemar Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was nowhere to be found in the practice drills. A standout defensive lineman from Texas A&M, Stewart is the first Aggie defensive lineman to be drafted in the first round since Myles Garrett in 2017, and expectations were sky-high for him to make an immediate impact.
However, Stewart’s absence wasn’t a result of injury or anything related to his conditioning — it was strictly business. The highly touted rookie has yet to sign his contract with the Bengals, and as a result, he decided to sit out the first practice of minicamp. Standing on the sideline, helmet in hand, Stewart watched his teammates run through drills while his own future remained in the balance.
“I just decided not to sign those papers,” Stewart explained when asked about his decision to hold out. “I would love to be a part of the team. I hate being on the sideline just looking at everyone else do work… Especially on the first day, it was kind of tough on me.” The rookie’s honesty underscored his desire to get to work, but his contractual situation was preventing him from doing so.
Stewart isn’t alone in his holdout. Demetrius Knight Jr., the Bengals’ second-round pick, also missed practice on Friday for the same reason. The Bengals now find themselves in a rare and somewhat awkward position: they are the only team in the league with multiple rookies holding out of on-field activities because of unresolved contract issues.
While Stewart’s absence may raise questions about his relationship with the team, head coach Zac Taylor appeared unfazed by the situation. “I’m not going to make any predictions on where that ends up, but they’ve had a great attitude, and I’m excited about both those guys,” Taylor said of Stewart and Knight. His comments reflected a calm and collected approach, suggesting that the Bengals were confident the issues would be resolved soon.
The Bengals are certainly hoping for a quick resolution, as Stewart’s holdout is delaying his on-field development. As a defensive lineman with exceptional athleticism and raw power, Stewart was expected to be an immediate contributor to a Bengals defense looking to improve. However, with his rookie contract unsigned, his ability to make an early impact is now in jeopardy.
This contract holdout also takes on extra significance given the team’s larger defensive plans. Stewart, who was drafted to potentially replace star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson if Hendrickson’s contract situation continues to be unresolved, is the future of the Bengals’ defense. But the longer Stewart remains off the field, the harder it becomes for him to adjust to the NFL’s speed and nuances.
Despite the contract situation, Stewart has remained active off the field. He’s been present at meetings, learning the defensive schemes, and staying engaged with his new teammates. It’s clear that Stewart is determined to catch up, even if he’s missing out on crucial on-field reps.
“I’m doing everything else,” Stewart said. “Just on the field stuff, I’m not doing that.” His commitment to staying involved in all other team activities shows that he’s not letting the contract situation keep him from preparing mentally for the challenges ahead.
The timing of this holdout is particularly notable considering the Bengals’ recent struggles with contract issues. Just months ago, the team faced tension with Trey Hendrickson, the NFL’s sack leader in 2024, who had requested a trade following his own contract disputes. Hendrickson’s situation may have influenced the Bengals’ draft strategy, but Stewart’s holdout is now adding to the complications surrounding the team’s defensive line.
As the Bengals move forward, they will need to address these rookie contract holdouts quickly. Stewart and Knight’s decisions to skip practice are ultimately a small but significant part of a larger equation. The team’s defense is counting on them, but their immediate futures remain in question.
For Bengals fans, the frustration is understandable. They’ve watched as the franchise has drafted a potential game-changer in Stewart, only to see him sit on the sidelines due to contractual issues. The hope is that this holdout won’t drag into the summer and that the Bengals will reach a resolution soon.
For now, Stewart is on the outside looking in, waiting for the paperwork to be finalized. Whether it’s one more day, one more week, or one more month, the future of the Bengals’ defense is currently held up in contract negotiations. But if the deal is signed soon, Stewart will have the chance to prove he’s worth the wait.