ESPN Report: making headlines not for his on-field prowess but for his decision to
Stewart’s decision stems from a desire to finalize his contract before participating in any physical activities, despite being covered by a standard injury waiver. He expressed his eagerness to join his teammates, stating, “I would love to be a part of the team. I hate being on the sideline just looking at everyone else do work… Especially on the first day, it was kind of tough on me.” (Houston Chronicle)
This situation isn’t isolated. Second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. also refrained from practicing due to an unsigned contract. Both are the only rookies league-wide holding out of fieldwork because of unresolved contract situations. (Houston Chronicle)
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor addressed the matter, emphasizing that there’s no tension between the team and the players. He remarked, “I’m not going to make any predictions on where that ends up, but … .” (Houston Chronicle)
Stewart’s holdout comes amid broader contractual disputes within the Bengals organization. Star pass rusher Trey Hendrick … is seeking a new deal and … Stewart is considered a potential replacement for Hendrickson, but his absence delays his on-field development. (Houston Chronicle)
Despite the holdout, Stewart remains engaged in off-field activities, attending meetings and learning the defensive playbook. He stated, “I’m doing everything else. Just on the field stuff, I’m … .” (Houston Chronicle)
The Bengals’ approach to contract negotiations has come under scrutiny. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase felt misled by the team during contract talks, leading him to halt negotiations until the 2025 offseason. He even took out a $50 million insurance policy to safeguard against potential injury and lost earnings. (SI)
Similarly, Tee Higgins expressed frustration over contract discussions. After initially playing under a franchise tag, he secured a four-year, $115 million deal, making him the highest-paid WR2 in NFL history. (PFSN)
These instances highlight a pattern of challenging contract negotiations within the Bengals organization, raising questions about their approach to player relations and long-term team building.
