The Bengals are trying to set a precedent that they can use in all future rookie deals. Second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. signed his rookie contract Saturday and signed a deal that had the language the Bengals wanted. Stewart is now the last one standing.

The Bengals historically don't give multiple years of guaranteed money in contracts. That's the big holdup in Hendrickson's negotiations with Cincinnati, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Long-term extension talks between the #Bengals and star Trey Hendrickson broke down over guaranteed money before camp… and Hendrickson has now indicated he left the state. He just posted this on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/Le2aKris0t

Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart talks about his contract dispute at the Bengals mandatory mini-camp on June 10, 2025. (WKRC) Brown said the negotiation has reached the level of "silliness," but that he believes the two sides will eventually come to an agreement.

The Cincinnati Bengals have a big problem on their hands. First-round rookie Shemar Stewart has yet to sign his contract, and it seems like he’s not going to budge. Asked about that, Bengals executive Duke Tobin blamed Stewart’s advisers for not giving him proper counseling.