The Cincinnati Bengals‘ rookies reported to begin coaching camp on Saturday, however edge-rusher Shemar Stewart stays unsigned amid a tense contract standoff. The holdup stems from a major language difficulty that provides the Bengals the authority to void all future ensures if Stewart breaches sure contract phrases. It is a new normal the workforce is attempting to place into contracts that has not been finished for previous rookies.
Stewart has skipped a lot of the offseason exercises and minicamps, citing concern and frustration over the contract language. He has made it clear that he is not going to work with the workforce till the considerations are addressed. However it seems that the Bengals will keep on with their weapons and never budge in altering the language. Due to this, it now raises questions as to how this standstill will come to a conclusion.
For weeks, it was thought that one aspect must budge. Both Stewart indicators the deal and the language is saved within the contract, or the Bengals take away the language, which might permit Stewart to signal. Now, it seems that that is unlikely to occur as either side stay adamant of their stances.
Not too long ago, as a consequence of Stewart understanding with Texas A&M, current hypothesis has surfaced that Stewart could attempt to return to varsity. This, nonetheless is unlikely as a consequence of NCAA eligibility guidelines, and Stewart has denied these rumors. But when Stewart and the workforce can’t come to an settlement, there’s a risk he could maintain out for the complete 12 months.
The Bengals produce other inquiries to reply as nicely. One other Bengals edge-rusher in Trey Hendrickson, can also be searching for a brand new deal. Although his holdout appears to be extra as a consequence of cash fairly than contract language. With out Hendrickson or Stewart doubtlessly in 2025, the Bengals’ line of defense could be largely unproven and never gifted sufficient. And it seems that neither deal is especially near being full.
This standoff for Stewart actually hurts his improvement, particularly as a result of uncooked potential he possesses. If the Bengals wish to try to contend in 2025, will probably be essential to get Stewart’s deal finished quickly, to permit him reps on the sector to enhance his sport.
