Alright, folks, Keaton Hargett here, coming to you from the Front Porch, and let me tell you, the Cincinnati Bengals are currently running a masterclass in how to absolutely bungle a draft pick. We’re talking about Shemar Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a dude who should be gearing up to terrorize AFC North quarterbacks, and insead? He’s in a full-blown stare down with the Bengals. It’s a real “what in the world is happening?” kind of situation.
The Sticking Point: A Clause More Stubborn Than a Bull in a China Shop
So, here’s the skinny: Stewart’s got a sweet four-year, $18.9 million fully guaranteed deal on the table. Sounds great, right? Money for days, the dream. Except, the Bengals, in their infinite wisdom, want to slip in a little clause. A fun little caveat that says, “Hey, if you mess up, if you get yourself into some disciplinary hot water, we can just poof make that guaranteed money disappear.”
Now, you and I, we’re not NFL agents. But even we know that’s not standard operating procedure for a first-rounder. The Bengals haven’t done this with their last two first-rounders! So why now? Are they suddenly worried Stewart’s going to turn into a party animal? Or are they just trying to be… well, the Bengals? It stinks, plain and simple.
Skipping Minicamp and the Texas A&M Rumors: The Plot Thickens
Naturally, Stewart ain’t signing. And because he ain’t signing, he ain’t playing. He skipped minicamp, which is totally within his rights because, get this, he’s not under contract. And then, the internet goes bonkers with reports that he’s back at Texas A&M, working out.
Now, everyone’s asking: Is this kid really going to try and go back to college? Re-enter the draft next year? That’s a nuclear option, a real middle-finger to the entire system. And honestly, it’s not totally off the table. The NCAA rules say a drafted player can’t just waltz back into college football. But with all the NIL money flying around and the lawyers getting involved in everything these days, who knows what a court might decide?
However, cooler heads (and actual reporters on the ground) have since clarified: he’s working out at the Texas A&M facilities, not with the team. Big difference. He’s staying in shape, doing his own thing. Still, the fact that this is even a discussion shows how badly this contract negotiation has gone sideways.
The Bengals’ Reputation: Cheapskates or Smart Business?
Let’s be real, the Bengals have a certain reputation when it comes to money. They’ve always been known for being a bit… frugal. And while you can admire a team that’s fiscally responsible, when it starts impacting your top draft picks and potentially derailing their careers before they even begin, you gotta wonder if you’re being smart or just plain cheap.
This isn’t just about Shemar Stewart. This is about setting a precedent. Every agent in the league is watching this. If the Bengals get away with this, you can bet other teams will try the same thing. And then suddenly, “fully guaranteed” contracts aren’t so “fully guaranteed” anymore. It’s a slippery slope, folks.
Training camp is right around the corner. The clock is ticking. You’ve got a talented defensive end who could be a game-changer, and he’s not even in the building. Will the Bengals finally wise up and give Stewart the same deal they gave everyone else? Or are they going to double down on this ridiculous clause and risk losing a premium talent for essentially nothing? Only time will tell, but right now, it feels like the Bengals are playing with fire. And if they burn this bridge, it’s their own damn fault.