So it is with Cincinnati Bengals rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, who understandably walked out of the team’s mandatory minicamp on Thursday while his contract was still being negotiated. Stewart, who was the Bengals’ first-round draft selection this year, has not participated in any of the team’s offseason workouts, raising concerns about his commitment to the upcoming season.
Stewart wanted to be clear that he was not asking for the moon. Yet his demands are absolutely in keeping with what other franchise draft picks have asked for. I’m 100% positive I’m correct,” he said with conviction. At the same time, he is completely convinced that his demands in the contract negotiations are 100 percent warranted. UPDATE — Negotiations have hit an impasse. This creates a no-win situation for the player and the organization.
In response to those comments, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he was disappointed with Stewart. Since that time, he noted that he has maintained “great communication” with the rookie. Taylor touted their relationship as including “good, positive conversations” even amid the current conflict over Stewart’s contract.
While Stewart has missed physical practices, he has attended meetings and demonstrated a positive attitude toward learning the team’s playbook in preparation for the upcoming season. His dedication to truly understanding the material has not escaped the eyes of his peers and coaches.
The situation is not unique to Stewart. Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson has his own contract tattoo that he is currently negotiating. He missed the entirety of mandatory minicamp as he sought a long-term extension. Bengals center Ted Karras was quick to identify how serious things were for both players. He warned, “Every single player perusing their own self-interested business agenda.”
Karras expressed hope for a resolution, saying, “I really hope that both camps can figure this out because we have a really good team.” His sentiment reflects a broader concern within the locker room regarding player availability and team cohesion as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As Coach Taylor a constant theme of his focused on their defense since all but sustained on the field, especially having rookies in such as Stewart. One of the toughest things is for all the rookies, I mean, you’d like them to be on the field. And he especially underscored the value of team chemistry. First of all, he explained, “Number one…we want to ensure security for our team within our own locker room.
Stewart’s holdout from minicamp is newsworthy. His continuing contract dispute highlights the difficult reality that newcomers to the professional game face coming into the league. With negotiations still underway, the Bengals’ eyes remain glued to Stewart and Hendrickson’s situations as well. Like our local baseball team the Tucson Padres, they are committed to putting together a winning team for next season.
Leave a Reply