Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart stands firm in contract battle: 'I'm 100% right'

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signed contract extensions with the Cincinnati Bengals. Keyshawn Johnson explains why he's surprised the Bengals paid Tee Higgins.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ contract conundrums continue. 

First-round pick Shemar Stewart is not practicing at the team’s mandatory minicamp this week because he has yet to sign his rookie contract. 

Cincinnati ironed out Tee Higgins’ contract situation this offseason, but the Bengals are still dealing with top edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Now, their first-round pick is holding out until he gets a deal he likes. 

Stewart, the Texas A&M product who went 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft in April, has yet to practice this summer, and the Bengals are reportedly trying something no other team in the league has done yet by voiding future guarantees for Stewart.

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Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart speaks during a press conference April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. (Imagn)

The unprecedented contract maneuver is not sitting well with Stewart, and he sounded off about the front office Tuesday while at the Bengals’ complex. 

"I’m 100% right," he said of his stance about his rookie deal, according to SI.com. "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."

Stewart said he "can’t say" what he is asking for in his contract. 

BENGALS' TREY HENDRICKSON RELEASES SCATHING STATEMENT AGAINST TEAM AS CONTRACT TALKS STALL

In the meantime, he’s still attending meetings and doing what he can off the field to be ready for the season. 

"I still study my playbook. Taking down the right