Bengals' first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart leaves minicamp amid contract dispute

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The rift between the Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar Stewart has reached a new level, as the Texas A&M product has reportedly left the final day of mandatory minicamp with his rookie contract still not signed. 

Pro Football Talk reported Stewart leaving minicamp wasn’t because of the contract disagreement he has with the Bengals, but rather "he didn’t want to be a distraction" for his teammates who are participating. 

Still, Stewart’s contract situation has baffled many in the football world, and is the reason behind him not being on the field with his teammates.

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The Bengals' 2025 draft pick Shemar Stewart (IMAGN)

Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in April, publicly addressed not being on the field during the Bengals’ minicamp practices due to not having inked his rookie deal. 

"I’m 100% right," he told reporters on Tuesday. "I’m not asking for nothing y’all (the Bengals) have never done before. But in y’all case, y’all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games."

The Bengals are reportedly trying to change the way their first-round rookie contracts are done, which would allow the team to void future guarantees. Stewart doesn’t feel his contract language needs to be different, with Pro Football Talk pointing out Amarius Mims, the team’s first-round pick last year, not having that language in his deal. 

BENGALS ROOKIE SHEMAR STEWART STANDS FIRM IN CONTRACT BATTLE: ‘I’M 100% RIGHT'

Stewart was a higher pick than Mims as well. 

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