The Bengals and rookie Shemar Stewart are in a contract stalemate over a specific clause. Stewart’s agent wants a guarantee that the Bengals would still pay him if he were imprisoned, a condition the team refuses to accept. This is a departure from the contract signed by another rookie,Mims,last year.Bengals’ Director of Player Personnel, Tobin, explained that contracts evolve, and the team is seeking to clarify language that other NFL teams already use. He emphasized that the Bengals are not asking for anything unprecedented.
Stewart has been absent from team activities, having left minicamp early after criticizing the organization. While he has been training in Texas, his former college coach has confirmed he will not be returning to play for Texas A&M. Stewart coudl opt to sit out the season and re-enter the draft, but this would delay his NFL career and earning potential.
The Bengals believe Stewart can be a valuable player and are focused on getting him to camp, though they question the advice he is receiving.
