'Y'all just want to win arguments:' Shemar Stewart displeased with Bengals over contract

Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart is speaking up.

The No. 17 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft has yet to sign his contract and won’t participate in practice until he’s under contract.

Stewart spoke about his ongoing contract dispute on June 10 after minicamp and voiced his displeasure with the way the Bengals’ front office has handled the situation. The Bengals are trying to change the language in the contract for their first-round pick that allows the team to void future guarantees, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

“I thought I would be on the field by now.” #Bengals first round pick Shemar Stewart on his contract situation pic.twitter.com/AxQpbh5cl0— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) June 10, 2025

“Very disappointing because I thought they wanted to get me out there to see what I could do,” Stewart said.

Shemar Stewart contract dispute with Cincinnati Bengals

Stewart is requesting his contract language mirror that of the last two Bengals’ first-round picks. To this point, Stewart's position is that he has yet to receive the same contract language that Amarius Mims (2024, 18th overall pick) and Myles Murphy (2023, 28th overall pick) did in their contracts.

It appears the Bengals want to change the way they structure rookie contracts as it pertains to guarantees. Stewart’s stance, however, is that this change shouldn't begin with him because he was drafted higher than the previous three picks.

Every pick – except for the No. 4 overall pick in Travis Hunter – selected before Stewart this year has now been signed by their respective team. Five total rookies remain unsigned at this point.

Shemar Stewart participation with Cincinnati Bengals

Stewart still participates in meetings inside the team facility and has been present for each practice – he’s just not taking part in any of the on-field drills.

Stewart said he “can’t say what (he) really wants to say” when asked if the team has given him any reasoning for the sudden change in language. He doubled down on his stance saying he’s “100 percent right” before taking a shot at the Bengals’ front office.

"I'm not asking for nothing y’all (the team) has never done before,” Stewart said. “But in y’all (the team’s) case, y'all (the team) just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Shemar Stewart on contract dispute with Cincinnati Bengals