The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for the upcoming season, but not without some offseason drama. First-round pick Shemar Stewart is currently at the center of a contract standoff, causing speculation about his future with the team. Despite not practicing with the team, Stewart has been active in training, showcasing his commitment to the upcoming camp through workout footage shared on social media.

With trade rumors swirling, it has been confirmed that the Bengals have no intention of parting ways with the promising talent. As the team prepares for training camp, the focus will be on how Stewart integrates with teammates and whether he can secure a starting role.

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing tension surrounding contract negotiations with key players, particularly defensive end Trey Hendrickson and first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart. While the focus on these holdouts is intense, other members of the team, such as offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr., remain unconcerned. Brown emphasizes the importance of focusing on the upcoming season rather than the distractions caused by contract disputes. His attitude reflects a broader team sentiment, prioritizing unity and performance on the field over individual contract negotiations.

The Cincinnati Bengals are maintaining a composed atmosphere following Shemar Stewart's recent criticisms of the organization. Head coach Zac Taylor addressed the matter, noting that communications with Stewart are positive, while defensive coordinator Al Golden emphasized the need for the young prospect to be on the field promptly. The comments from Stewart have left the coaching staff pondering the broader implications of his public remarks, especially considering his status as a first-round draft pick.

In light of these developments, the Bengals appear focused on fostering a supportive environment for Stewart to develop his talent while also navigating the challenges presented by his public statements. The franchise understands that at just 21 years old, Stewart is still learning the nuances of the professional landscape. Yet, the team is equally aware that handling such situations delicately is crucial for team cohesion and future success.

The 2025 NFL Draft has seen a remarkable acceleration in rookie contract signings, with 220 of the 257 selected players already inked. This surge can be traced to the rookie wage scale established in 2011, streamlining contracts to four years, with first-round selections eligible for a fifth-year option. Currently, only three first-round picks remain unsigned, including the highly touted Travis Hunter, chosen second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a notable twist, the Cincinnati Bengals are embroiled in a dispute with 17th overall pick Shemar Stewart regarding contract language on salary guarantees.

What's particularly striking is the number of unsigned second-round picks, with 30 out of 37 yet to sign, an anomaly not seen since 2020, when pandemic restrictions hindered signings. Conversely, last year saw all second-round picks signed by mid-June. The Houston Texans kickstarted this year's second-round process by offering Jayden Higgins a fully guaranteed contract, a historic first for a second-round pick, setting a new precedent for rookie deals.