Stephon Tuitt, a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals, has been threatening to hold out over a nasty contract squabble. This unusual circumstance has bred speculation and doubt about his long-term future with the squad. The unsigned draft pick had missed all of OTAs after failing to negotiate acceptable terms of his rookie contract. All of that took a sharp turn on Thursday when Stewart unexpectedly walked out of the Bengals’ mandatory minicamp, signaling a deepening chasm in contract negotiations.
Stewart’s departure from the field is a troubling return for the player and the organization. The young pass rusher expressed his eagerness to join his teammates, stating, “I’m trying to get out there as fast as I can.” At the same time, his agent, Zac Hiller, has been diligently engaged behind-the-scenes in talks working on a solution to the standoff.
Contract Negotiations and Sticking Points
Stewart’s contractor holdout also focuses on problematic language in the contract. This potential change could put hundreds of millions of dollars guaranteed to the state in future years at risk. This particular provision is proving to be a done deal fly in the ointment in negotiations. The Bengals mean to make a statement with their 2023 draft class. Yet they appear determined not to budge on any compromises that would weaken their big picture strategy of killing void language and guaranteed money.
If Stewart were to have a suspension for an on-field incident, that would void any future guarantees he could be owed. This will have fatal effects on his political future. This reality would put his short-term financial security in jeopardy. It might put his long-term career—as one of the league’s next great young stars—at risk. His current plight is not entirely unlike Joey Bosa’s in 2016. At the time, Bosa made headlines for holding out of training camp over contract terms with the Chargers.
“I don’t care what nobody else is making. I don’t care how much money they’re getting. I don’t care. Just give me what y’all be giving to everybody else,” – Shemar Stewart
All Stewart wants is to be compensated fairly. He’s looking for a contract commensurate with what other players at his position in the industry have received. His excellent perspective is a sign of something that many young players contend with after they reach the league.
Impact on Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Throughout this turbulent time, the Bengals have publicly expressed their support for Stewart. Head Coach Zac Taylor noted, “There’s still time to get work in, and I’m excited to get him to do that.” Even so, the lack of Stewart from offseason workouts creates doubt both about the team chemistry being built and Stewart’s growth as a player.
Stewart’s absence is a repeat of the 2020 season, when offseason workouts ended abruptly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This side-by-side underscored the immediate and far reaching impact of an extended holdout. For a young player like Stewart, missed sessions on the training ground would for sure limit his development and ultimately, how well he plays on match day.
Regardless of how this plays out, the Bengals certainly don’t need to be reminded of the dangers of standing pat in a war of attrition against their draft class. They’re walking a tightrope of setting important first-time precedents while making sure that they don’t go lose future dynamic players such as Stewart.
Future Scenarios for Stewart
If this impasse remains with no resolution, Stewart has the record-breaking election lie in her rearview. If he opts not to sign with the Bengals and sits out the entire season, he would be eligible to re-enter the 2026 draft. All teams besides the Bengals would have a chance at drafting him, dramatically changing the course of his career.
Fans and analysts alike have absolutely marveled at the spectacle that has been this holdout. We’re told it introduces an interesting dynamic to an otherwise quiet summer in the NFL. These current negotiations will surely have a big impact on how all future rookie contracts around the league are structured.
Leave a Reply