Shemar Stewart vs Bengals: Inside the Rookie Holdout That Could Reshape NFL Draft Power
The NFL offseason is no stranger to contract drama, but Shemar Stewart’s standoff with the Cincinnati Bengals is quickly turning into one of the most explosive rookie disputes in recent history. Drafted 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Texas A&M pass rusher hasn’t signed his contract, hasn’t touched the practice field, and isn’t backing down from a fight that could shake the foundation of NFL draft rules.
Bengals Stir the Pot with Controversial Contract Clause
By now, most NFL fans know rookie contracts are pretty straightforward—four years, fully guaranteed, predetermined salaries based on draft position. But the Bengals couldn’t resist complicating things. Stewart, who’s expected to ink a four-year, $18.94 million fully guaranteed deal, was hit with unexpected contract language by Cincinnati’s front office.
What’s the issue? The Bengals want to void future guarantees if Stewart gets in trouble—whether that’s on-field suspensions, off-field incidents, or team rule violations. While this “morality clause” is becoming more common in the NFL, it’s unprecedented for Bengals rookies, especially when previous first-round picks didn’t face the same stipulations.
Stewart is not having it.
“I’m not asking for nothing you all have never done before… you just want to win an argument instead of winning more games,” he said, firing a clear shot at Cincinnati’s front office.
Stewart Has a Rare Advantage: He’s Already Wealthy
Unlike rookies of the past, Stewart is financially secure thanks to the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) revolution in college sports. Stewart earned significant money at Texas A&M, making him less desperate for his first NFL paycheck. This economic freedom gives him rare leverage—he can afford to sit out or take extreme measures to protect his career.
Nuclear Options on the Table: Stewart Could Burn the Bengals
If Cincinnati refuses to back down, Stewart has multiple game-changing options—and all of them could cause long-term headaches for the franchise.
1. Re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft
Under the NFL CBA’s Article 6, Stewart could sit out the 2025 season, skip signing his rookie contract, and become eligible for the 2026 draft. The Bengals would lose his rights entirely, and Stewart could essentially choose his next team, opening a dangerous precedent for future players unhappy with their draft destinations.
Stewart has until Week 10 of the NFL season (November) to make a decision. It’s a high-stakes gamble that could embolden more prospects to challenge NFL power structures.
2. Demand a Trade Before Training Camp
Per NFL rules, rookies can be traded 30 days before the season starts—meaning Stewart could force a trade by early August. While the Bengals are historically stubborn in trade negotiations, they risk losing a top draft asset for nothing if Stewart refuses to budge.
3. Challenge NCAA Rules and Return to College
The wildest card in Stewart’s deck? A return to Texas A&M. Reports indicate he’s been training at College Station and staying connected with the Aggies program. NCAA regulations prevent drafted players from returning to college, but recent legal trends suggest Stewart could mount a legal battle to reclaim his college eligibility.
CBS Sports’ Bud Elliott teased the possibility, saying, “He’s been fully involved in workouts… relationship [with Bengals] is toxic.”
Bengals’ Self-Sabotage Continues
This isn’t the first time Cincinnati’s rigid negotiation tactics have caused problems. The team’s slow starts under Zac Taylor have coincided with contract disputes—including last year’s issues with Ja'Marr Chase. Now, with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson also unhappy, the Bengals are looking at a potentially disastrous start to 2025.
Even Joe Burrow is growing weary, telling reporters, “Of course [it’s a distraction]… you’d love to have none, but that’s life in the NFL.”
Stewart's Holdout Could Change the Draft Forever
If Stewart pulls off a return to college, re-entry into the draft, or forces a rookie trade, it could inspire a wave of player empowerment at the rookie level. College stars with NIL money could increasingly reject franchises with poor reputations, fundamentally altering how the draft operates.
The Bengals' hardline stance may backfire spectacularly, leaving them without their top rookie while also establishing a new roadmap for future prospects to regain career control.
What’s Next for the Bengals and Stewart?
With training camp looming, the Bengals must decide—stand their ground or compromise. Stewart, emboldened by money, principle, and a willingness to sit out, shows no signs of backing down.
Whether he chooses to burn the Bengals, return to college, or force a trade, Stewart’s saga is already shaping up to be one of the most significant contract disputes in modern NFL history.
💬 Do you think Shemar Stewart should return to college, hold out, or force a trade? Share your thoughts below!
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