The Cincinnati Bengals and 2025 NFL draft pick Shemar Stewart are off to a rough start.
Stewart has yet to fully participate in the team's voluntary workouts this offseason as the two sides continue to go back and forth over the first-round pick's rookie contract — and that is now carrying over into Phase 2 of the offseason program.
According to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Stewart still isn't practicing with the team as it enters the next stage of the offseason program due to the ongoing dispute over his contract.
Conway reports that Stewart is "requesting that his contract language mirror the last two Bengals' first-round picks," which were right tackle Amarius Mims, and defensive end Myles Murphy.
This is obviously not good for Stewart or the Bengals.
Granted, this portion of the offseason program is voluntary, but Stewart is a rookie and needs all the practice he can get ahead of his first season in which the Bengals hope to get a significant contribution out of him. The longer he sits out, the more Stewart is going to fall behind.
The No. 17 overall pick is currently slated to have a backup role behind both Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai, but he could be needed for an even bigger role if Hendrickson is traded, which remains possible with the two sides in a standoff regarding a contract extension.
MORE CINCINNATI BENGALS NEWS
Ja'Marr Chase predicted to make NFL history in 2025
Bengals could cut ties with playmaker after recent offseason moves
Packers predicted to make league-altering trade with Bengals