Bengals' first-round pick Shemar Stewart makes bold, rare move with rookie holdout
Context:
Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals' first-round draft pick, has made a rare decision not to sign his rookie contract and is sitting out of the rookie camp, which is unusual for NFL rookies. This move has raised concerns, although the Bengals still hold high hopes for Stewart's potential contribution as a pass rusher. Head coach Zac Taylor expressed excitement about Stewart's fit within the team and his tenacity, anticipating significant production from him once he joins the field. The situation remains amicable between Stewart and the organization, but the lack of a contract timetable could become an issue if prolonged. Off the field, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is amidst media speculation due to rumors about a potential relationship with model Olivia Ponton, adding to the team's off-season narratives.
Dive Deeper:
Shemar Stewart, a first-round draft pick for the Cincinnati Bengals, has chosen not to sign his rookie contract and is currently sitting out of the team's rookie camp, a decision that is rare among NFL rookies.
Despite this unusual start, the Bengals remain optimistic about Stewart's capabilities, particularly his potential to enhance their defense as a pass rusher, which was an area of weakness last season.
Head coach Zac Taylor has praised Stewart's character and work ethic, noting that he fits well into the locker room and is expected to deliver significant production once he starts playing.
The absence of a signed contract has not yet caused any tension between Stewart and the Bengals organization, but the situation could become problematic if the holdout continues without resolution.
In parallel to the on-field developments, quarterback Joe Burrow is involved in a media buzz following rumors of a relationship with model Olivia Ponton, which has captured public attention and added another layer to the team's off-season dynamics.
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a season in which they failed to make the NFL Playoffs, despite boasting a lethal duo in Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. It was their defense that struggled mightily at times throughout the year. Still, they came close to squeaking into postseason play.
Off the field, Joe Burrow has found himself at the center of a media frenzy, as rumors swirl about a possible relationship with model Olivia Ponton—who is also reportedly his employee. Speculation began earlier in the week, and the two were recently seen exiting the same vehicle, further fueling the gossip.
Meanwhile, on the football side, concern is starting to emerge. The Bengals' first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart, sat out of rookie camp and has yet to sign his contract. For now, that’s not a great sign. When asked about the situation, Stewart kept it simple: he just didn’t sign the papers.
“Stewart told reporters that he ‘decided not to sign those papers’ and preferred to be an active participant instead of a passive one,” Ben Baby wrote.
Stewart and his teammate Demetrius Knight Jr. are currently the only two players in the entire NFL holding out of rookie camp due to unsigned contracts. The Bengals are still high on Stewart's potential.
“We're fired up about Shemar, great young man... He really fits into our locker room... His relentlessness. We anticipate getting a lot of production,” head coach Zac Taylor said.
Cincinnati needed a pass rusher, and they got one in Stewart—it’s now just a matter of when he’ll take the field. The rookie is expected to make a huge impact, but this isn’t the typical start to an NFL career.
The Bengals aren’t concerned about the holdout just yet, but if it drags on, it could become a problem. As of now, there’s no timetable for the contract to be signed. There are no signs of tension between Stewart and the organization—but that may not last forever.