'I can't say what I really want to say' — Shemar Stewart fires shots at Bengals with mandatory minicamp underway
If there was any doubt about where Shemar Stewart's head is at, he erased them entirely after the Cincinnati Bengals' first mandatory minicamp practice. Stewart, Cincinnati's first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, didn't participate in the session as he and his camp continue to pressure the Bengals into removing default language in his rookie […]
If there was any doubt about where Shemar Stewart's head is at, he erased them entirely after the Cincinnati Bengals' first mandatory minicamp practice.
Stewart, Cincinnati's first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, didn't participate in the session as he and his camp continue to pressure the Bengals into removing default language in his rookie contract offer. The language would would make it easier for his future guarantees to be voided.
When asked if the club has communicated why they're choosing to do this with him, Stewart had to hold back what he was thinking.
"If I really wanted to say, I can't say what I really want to say," Stewart told reporters. "It's 'their contract. They could do what they want with it."
What they, the Bengals, want is for Stewart's deal to establish a new precedent for Bengals contracts moving forward. This was attempted during the negotiations of 2023 first-rounder Myles Murphy's contract, and two years later, it's become national news with Stewart being the latest attempt by the club.
Stewart's frustration is extremely apparent, as is his righteousness.
"I'm 100 percent right," Stewart said. "I'm not asking for nothing y'all have never done before. But in y'all case, y'all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games."
That's a damning shot at Cincinnati's front office, which has dealt with plenty of contract disputes over the last few years and are in the midst of one with fellow defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
It's a sentiment that many fans also share as the Joe Burrow era continues with several more offseason disputes than playoff appearances over the past two years.
Stewart is putting it all out there and is not even technically employed by the team, not until he signs his contract. It's a big risk by the 21-year old, but his determination is evident nonetheless.
Latest Bengals news confirms the status quo reigns supreme for Cincinnati’s defensive line during mandatory minicamp
Two players remain beneficiaries to Cincinnati’s ongoing issues.
