Bengals Rookie Stewart Only Rookie Holding Out

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart, the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is holding out from mandatory minicamp due to a contract dispute focused on the team's attempt to add language allowing voiding of future guarantees. Stewart, attending meetings but not practicing, insists his contract match the terms given to previous first-round picks, making him the only rookie league-wide missing camp for this reason. The Bengals have also secured major contract extensions for wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but continue to face unresolved holdouts from both Stewart and star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. These disputes are centered on contract language rather than salary, highlighting internal organizational tension. Fans and commentators have criticized the situation, which threatens team stability as training camp approaches. The standoffs underscore the importance of contract negotiations for key defenders in the Bengals' preparations for the upcoming NFL season.