Really, really important to get Stewart signed and in camp as soon as possible. Golden expects him to immediately step inside in passing situations, which could be often if Cincinnati can score early and often this year. Too many fans here see Stewart stat sheet and figure he's just a traits guy who can run the 40 fast. But it's more than just straight-line speed, he also has a great first step and can bend. He is just too quick for guards inside. While he may not get many sacks as a rookie, I absolutely see him as a guy who can get enough penetration to get the QB uncomfortable in the pocket. Last year too many ordinary opposing QBs had excellent passing days because there was no pressure at all up the middle. Even a still developing Stewart can change all of that by using his strength and quickness to beat guards.

I've heard a scout say that players with Stewart's traits (size/strength/speed/quickness/bend) come along maybe 4-5 times over a 10 year period. We all know that his sack total in college was ridiculously low. Despite this, some scouts still thought he should have been the first EDGE taken in the draft. For awhile in the spring, there was talk that Stewart might even be the first overall player taken. Mostly because his combined traits are extremely rare in one player and he practices/plays with real intensity.

Strengths

• Carved from granite with a rare combo of size, length and explosiveness.

• First-step burst and good bend to create danger in the gaps.

• Strength to drive lateral blocks into the backfield.

• Exceptional chase speed to close hard off the backside.

• Speed-to-power rush knocks pass-setting tackles off their mark.

• Has bend to turn and flatten the edge and hunt the passer.

• Will threaten guards with length and quickness as a sub-rusher inside.

• Traits, versatility and upside make his development a matter of when and not if

11 hours ago, LostInDaJungle said:

They're adding language that protects against their own poor judgement. They want a warranty, and warranties come with money up front. This isn't a "Code of Conduct", this is a multi-million dollar contract.

And absolutely no one knows what the actual language is, and if other NFL teams use it. Period. If you say you do, you're delusional. All we have is conflicting media reports.

And exactly what has Stewart done to warrant this new language? You expect him to accept these new terms when he has been a model citizen all his life? Why do you suddenly need to protect yourself from bad behavior with this kid? What are you accusing him of? What the fuck angle could you possibly be taking here? Because they didn't have this language in Burton's contract? So... A guy with no concerns should accept a potential multi-million dollar loss that a third round pick wasn't subject to last year. Nice.

All Stewart has to do is accept it... And all Katie, or whatever inbred cousin is negotiating this particular deal, has to do is drop it. And it's a lose lose for both sides. And I don't want the Bengals to lose. So, it seems that losing out on valuable camp time with a 1st round pick so you might be able to claw back the money from an insignificant rookie deal... What... Maybe $4M per year in a league with a $300M cap?

What are you more upset about... Jermaine Burton being a waste of a 3rd round pick, or him being a waste of a $1.3m cap hit?

If Shemar Stewart gets caught at a Diddy party, are you going to be fine with it because we have a little more cap space? It'll be slim solace for a team that blew a first round pick during Joe's window.

You showed enough faith in the guy to take him in the first round... Now it's cold feet time? NOW you're not sure and need a little extra insurance? Easier than hiring scouts I guess.

People say Mims didn't sign until July 22nd. And Trent Brown started the early games, played badly, and we lost two in a row to start the season. Like... How do the people on this board not see the glaring A -> B correlation here? This this constant rinse, lather, repeat of contract disputes with team cornerstones and draft picks leads to slow starts and wasted potential? So... YOU'RE cheering for Katie to get a little guarantee against the guy SHE picked being a shit head instead of just signing the guy and getting him ready??

I mean, it seems like there's a good contingent here that is all "old man yells at sky" about what NFL players make now. "Why, back in my day guys played for a sock full of nickels and you could fill up yer tank for $5. Now they are all greedy pigs who actually want a piece of those Billion dollar TV deals that have doubled the value of Mike and Katie's franchise over 20 years. The nerve! Buncha young douchey kids as their agents - they wouldn't last one day down at the mill I tells ya! Heck, if I was Shemar Stewart I would pay them to play just out of gratitude." Get a grip Grandpa. This isn't 1988 and a $37M salary cap anymore. And Amazon doesn't pay a Billion dollars to watch Katie balance her checkbook on Sundays. You keep telling us what guys are worth, and you keep being wrong. No way JJ Watt is worth that much... And the market keeps "overpaying" these guys while you talk about bread being a nickel when you were a kid. But tell me again what you think is "fair". Take them eggs on up to the counter and tell them you're only willing to pay the "fair" price in your head and see how many omlettes you make. Only a damn commie would charge more than $3 a dozen!

At the end of the day, I want the Bengals to succeed. And having a pissing contest with your first round pick - to my mind - is counterproductive to that goal. And again... It's a lose lose. Shemar Stewart being 1% less ready to play football on Week One is bad for both him and the Bengals. He could just accept it, but they could also just drop it. Have the Bengals NEEDED this for past first rounders? No. Why now? Just freaking sign the guy. And if you really CAN'T sign the guy without some guarantees... Do a better job scouting and get your picks in camp on time. Damn.

If Shemar Stewart does have to be cut in year one and his guarantees voided... Getting back $4M in cap space for a team that is constantly at least $10M under the cap... I mean... C'mon. Yay. We aren't paying a first round pick who had a shorter career than Akili Smith. All is well. But every day that passes we increase the chances that he starts slow, doesn't give us the effort... At a position we have a dire need at right now.

Good post. Picking a couple of nits, the full language of player contracts is available to teams and agents. So they know exactly what other players, including Bengals have in their contracts. Burton probably didn't have default language since he didn't have guaranteed money other than his signing bonus. That's considered an advance on salary so if he did something considered a forfeitable breach of contract, he would owe a refund. If the team just cuts him for being a screwup, he doesn't owe them anything.

5 hours ago, Inigo Montoya said:

A real example of how default language works is with Jameson Williams in Detroit. His gambling suspension triggered a default of the entire remaining portion of his contract, making it no longer guaranteed. However, the Lions did not cut him and he played out the rest of his deal without any loss of actual money. Sure, he could have been released and the team wouldn’t have owed him anything. But that doesn’t automatically happen when a player defaults.

Yes, Detroit converted his fully guaranteed contract into a pay-as-you-go year by year deal.

5 hours ago, dex said:

Really, really important to get Stewart signed and in camp as soon as possible. Golden expects him to immediately step inside in passing situations, which could be often if Cincinnati can score early and often this year. Too many fans here see Stewart stat sheet and figure he's just a traits guy who can run the 40 fast. But it's more than just straight-line speed, he also has a great first step and can bend. He is just too quick for guards inside. While he may not get many sacks as a rookie, I absolutely see him as a guy who can get enough penetration to get the QB uncomfortable in the pocket. Last year too many ordinary opposing QBs had excellent passing days because there was no pressure at all up the middle. Even a still developing Stewart can change all of that by using his strength and quickness to beat guards.

I've heard a scout say that players with Stewart's traits (size/strength/speed/quickness/bend) come along maybe 4-5 times over a 10 year period. We all know that his sack total in college was ridiculously low. Despite this, some scouts still thought he should have been the first EDGE taken in the draft. For awhile in the spring, there was talk that Stewart might even be the first overall player taken. Mostly because his combined traits are extremely rare in one player and he practices/plays with real intensity.

Strengths

• Carved from granite with a rare combo of size, length and explosiveness.

• First-step burst and good bend to create danger in the gaps.

• Strength to drive lateral blocks into the backfield.

• Exceptional chase speed to close hard off the backside.

• Speed-to-power rush knocks pass-setting tackles off their mark.

• Has bend to turn and flatten the edge and hunt the passer.

• Will threaten guards with length and quickness as a sub-rusher inside.

• Traits, versatility and upside make his development a matter of when and not if

I wouldn't say Stewart has great bend or flexibility. Someone like Green or Pearce would beat him around the circle. It's probably why he didn't test in the short shuttle or 3 cone drill.

On 7/17/2025 at 8:54 AM, sparky151 said:

Florio no doubt got the language in various player contracts from agents, not the Bengals. But not necessarily from Stewart's agents. Other agents agree that the Bengals participation agreement is less favorable to players than what other teams use.

Also, read this piece: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-breaking-down-exactly-why-bengals-shemar-stewart-remains-only-unsigned-2025-first-round-pick/

"Mims' default language is the same as in Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow's 2023 contract extension that made him the NFL's highest-paid player -- with one minor change. Suspensions for violating the NFL Gambling Policy were added with Mims.

The default language in the contracts wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signed in March doesn't have the change that the Bengals want with Stewart. There were a couple of slight modifications to Chase's and Higgins' language that weren't substantive.

Stewart's camp is right on principle. It's unclear why the Bengals decided to try to institute the language change with Stewart. Compounding matters for the Bengals is the contract stalemate with Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Stewart was drafted to replace Sam Hubbard, who retired during the offseason, as a pass rusher."

Sounds like the Bengals are pissed they couldn't their language with Chase and Higgins so they are taking it out on Stewart.

IMHO, the Bengals had NO intention of resigning Tee.

So, they're pissed that Burton turned out to be a bad pick... Because it didn't give them the option. And they're mad that Chase made signing both of them a requirement and they feel like they've already spent too much money.

So, they're trying to get more guarantees from Stewart so they can feel more comfortable moving on from Trey next year.

1 minute ago, sparky151 said:

the full language of player contracts is available to teams and agents.

Not until they're signed. Only the Bengals and Stewart's team know what the actual language is. It seems weird that we're relying on conflicting reports from Florio and Dehner if the actual language IS available. I can't Google it.

If the actual contract language is available, please repost.

He's also been getting by on athleticism. He's no longer going to be the biggest, fastest, strongest guy on the field. These types tend to struggle. I expect he's going to be a liability before he becomes an asset.

He is a project pick they're going to play early out of desperation.

23 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

He's also been getting by on athleticism. He's no longer going to be the biggest, fastest, strongest guy on the field. These types tend to struggle. I expect he's going to be a liability before he becomes an asset.

The new DL coach Jerry Montgomery will become the most important position coach on the team, maybe even more so than Scott Peters. Gotta hope he is better than Marion Hobby. Stewart's number one asset is of course his ultrarare athleticism, but he does play with a lot of intensity. Right now that leads to more disruption than finishing, but I think he can disrupt inside right away. But you're right, if the goal is piling up sack totals there is no reason to think he can do that from the jump.

One correction though. Even in the NFL Stewart WILL still be the biggest, fastest, strongest guy on the field...unless somehow Myles Garrett is also out on the field.

1 hour ago, dex said:

The new DL coach Jerry Montgomery will become the most important position coach on the team, maybe even more so than Scott Peters. Gotta hope he is better than Marion Hobby. Stewart's number one asset is of course his ultrarare athleticism, but he does play with a lot of intensity. Right now that leads to more disruption than finishing, but I think he can disrupt inside right away. But you're right, if the goal is piling up sack totals there is no reason to think he can do that from the jump.

One correction though. Even in the NFL Stewart WILL still be the biggest, fastest, strongest guy on the field...unless somehow Myles Garrett is also out on the field.

There's a slight difference in that Garrett is capping off a career likely headed to the Hall of Fame while Stewart may be holding out of his rookie training camp.

Their combine numbers, being Aggies, draft position, and the division they play in are what they have in common. Garrett was an All-American with 31 sacks in college.

Being a freak athlete flailing around won't get it done at the NFL level. He's going to need to learn to play a position.

A good conversation about the Stewart issue with a guy connected to many agents ...

28 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

Being a freak athlete flailing around won't get it done at the NFL level. He's going to need to learn to play a position.

Very true.

But after you watch a clip of Stewart coming off the EDGE, using his strength to push the LT into the pass pro RB (with both of them landing flat on their asses) and then using his speed to force the QB to scramble to his left before throwing the ball away...well, you can see why it looked for a while that Stewart might be the first or at least one of the first non-QBs to get drafted this year. Even with those almost non-existent sack totals.

Like I said, I hope Jerry Montgomery and Al Golden have a plan to get the most out of his talent.

TY for the video.

As mentioned, an agents job is to get the best deal for their client, period. Stewart chose a guy who is hard to work with... But that's his right. The counter rumor is that the Bengals are trying to strong arm a guy without much of a client list. Not cool from either side. But say what you will about Stewart's agent... He's hard to work with? Welcome to Katie Blackburn land where the streets are paved with broken glass. And it's not like this guy chose the agent AFTER he got picked.

We're 5 days away from Camp, and this guy hasn't been able to look at a playbook. Like... I'm done caring about the why. I'm pissed off when I hear that the "why" is dumb lawyer games. Is he asking for $100M? No? He just wants his guaranteed contract? Fuck me... Give it to him and get him in a set of pads already.

6 minutes ago, LostInDaJungle said:

We're 5 days away from Camp, and this guy hasn't been able to look at a playbook. Like... I'm done caring about the why. I'm pissed off when I hear that the "why" is dumb lawyer games. Is he asking for $100M? No? He just wants his guaranteed contract? Fuck me... Give it to him and get him in a set of pads already.

I am frustrated too, but there is no reason why Stewart wouldn't have the playbook. He attended every team meeting in camp, presumably met with the defensive coaches...he just wasn't out on the practice field. He really has missed almost nothing up until this point. But if the contract isn't worked out in the next few hours, then Stewart will actually start to miss important stuff...

3 minutes ago, dex said:

Im of two minds on this one, One Knight showed up and was professional and he got rewarded for it. Stewart not as much,

Two, what the actual fuck Bengals???!!!???

46 minutes ago, Jamie_B said:

Im of two minds on this one, One Knight showed up and was professional and he got rewarded for it. Stewart not as much,

Two, what the actual fuck Bengals???!!!???

What is life…without a little drama? 😄

3 hours ago, Jamie_B said:

Im of two minds on this one, One Knight showed up and was professional and he got rewarded for it. Stewart not as much,

Two, what the actual fuck Bengals???!!!???

I'm wishfully thinking/hoping that the Knight vs Stewart context and comparison is apples to oranges and not just as simple as the author makes it seem? Maybe?

At the end of the day, the Bengals, Stewart's folks, and Knight's folks are the only ones that really know what's these contracts...the rest is speculation and one-sided opinions.

In any case, just get it done already!

4 hours ago, Jamie_B said:

Im of two minds on this one, One Knight showed up and was professional and he got rewarded for it. Stewart not as much,

Two, what the actual fuck Bengals???!!!???

This sounds like they have more faith in their 2nd round pick than #17 overall. We're blaming Stewart's agent for their buyer's remorse?

21 minutes ago, T-Dub said:

This sounds like they have more faith in their 2nd round pick than #17 overall. We're blaming Stewart's agent for their buyer's remorse?

We can certainly blame Stewart's agent for being completely unprofessional. The guy is actually engaging with Bengals fans on social media, pleading his client's (and of course his own) case. What agent does that kind of shit? Stewart hired the guy, so he's responsible for that error. What's worse Stewart actually seems to heed the agent's terrible advice, all the while he's poisoning the well before ever taking a snap with the team he figures to be with for at least the next 4 or 5 years. Not a good look for a kid who entered the draft with a high character rep.

So it's the agent's fault for telling him not to accept the language they added because the agent is telling him not to accept the language...

Doesn't add up. Something about this guy gave them second thoughts before they wrote up the contract.

I think the agent is well aware that the language will be part of Stewart's contract despite his public bluster. Now it's just about getting some guaranteed money concession in order to allow the Bengals to set a new precedent...the one they were unable to get with Amarius Mims last season. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The problem is the way the agent (and yes, Stewart too) have gone public with everything. Social media stuff, the Stewart's interview at mandatory camp, even Stewart's father has gotten involved. Stewart has gotten way more national publicity this offseason than Cam Ward, the overall number one pick, has gotten. Everyone is sick of hearing about it. So how about everybody just shut the hell up and do the contract completely behind closed doors. It would be the smartest thing they could ever do.

1 hour ago, dex said:

I think the agent is well aware that the language will be part of Stewart's contract despite his public bluster. Now it's just about getting some guaranteed money concession in order to allow the Bengals to set a new precedent...the one they were unable to get with Amarius Mims last season. Absolutely nothing wrong with that.

The problem is the way the agent (and yes, Stewart too) have gone public with everything. Social media stuff, the Stewart's interview at mandatory camp, even Stewart's father has gotten involved. Stewart has gotten way more national publicity this offseason than Cam Ward, the overall number one pick, has gotten. Everyone is sick of hearing about it. So how about everybody just shut the hell up and do the contract completely behind closed doors. It would be the smartest thing they could ever do.

I appreciate their attempt at symmetry in pissing off both of the intended starters at DE. Which, again, is everyone else's fault. Bravo! Assistant Manager promotions all around!

I do think Stewart should fire his agent... and hire Trey's.

On 7/18/2025 at 2:48 PM, LostInDaJungle said:

IMHO, the Bengals had NO intention of resigning Tee.

So, they're pissed that Burton turned out to be a bad pick... Because it didn't give them the option. And they're mad that Chase made signing both of them a requirement and they feel like they've already spent too much money.

So, they're trying to get more guarantees from Stewart so they can feel more comfortable moving on from Trey next year.

Not until they're signed. Only the Bengals and Stewart's team know what the actual language is. It seems weird that we're relying on conflicting reports from Florio and Dehner if the actual language IS available. I can't Google it.

If the actual contract language is available, please repost.

It's not a contract until the agreement has been approved by the union and the league. During negotiations, the sides are exchanging proposals and of course those aren't public.

On 7/18/2025 at 3:29 PM, dex said:

The new DL coach Jerry Montgomery will become the most important position coach on the team, maybe even more so than Scott Peters. Gotta hope he is better than Marion Hobby. Stewart's number one asset is of course his ultrarare athleticism, but he does play with a lot of intensity. Right now that leads to more disruption than finishing, but I think he can disrupt inside right away. But you're right, if the goal is piling up sack totals there is no reason to think he can do that from the jump.

One correction though. Even in the NFL Stewart WILL still be the biggest, fastest, strongest guy on the field...unless somehow Myles Garrett is also out on the field.

Let's not compare Stewart as a prospect with Garrett. The latter was pick #1 for a reason.

3 hours ago, dex said:

We can certainly blame Stewart's agent for being completely unprofessional. The guy is actually engaging with Bengals fans on social media, pleading his client's (and of course his own) case. What agent does that kind of shit? Stewart hired the guy, so he's responsible for that error. What's worse Stewart actually seems to heed the agent's terrible advice, all the while he's poisoning the well before ever taking a snap with the team he figures to be with for at least the next 4 or 5 years. Not a good look for a kid who entered the draft with a high character rep.

It's not unusual for an agent to engage the public on his client's behalf. Typically he's talking to the beat reporters and the local tv stations but engaging on social media isn't unknown.

I didn't compare Stewart to Garrett as a football player, only as a size/speed/athleticism/strength physical specimen. Garrett was way ahead of Stewart in terms of development coming out of college. Already knew how to use his hands and had multiple pass rush moves/ That's why Garrett was the first overall pick in his draft class while Stewart slipped down to the middle of the 1st round.

I still remember Zimmer talking about the 3rd round DE/LB in 2011 Dontay Moch at the draft presser. Someone asked him that Moch clealry had talent but also had some weaknesses, etc. Zimmer, totally straight faced said something like "that is why he was picked in round 3 and not round 1"