According to several reports, the Cincinnati Bengals and their newly drafted defensive end, Shemar Stewart, finalized a four-year contract on Friday. The deal is worth $18.97 million and is fully guaranteed.
Stewart, chosen as the 17th pick from Texas A&M, was the last of the first-round draftees yet to sign. While most players picked in the first round finalized their rookie deals in May or June, Stewart and the Bengals were at odds due to specific wording in the contract that could nullify his guaranteed money down the line.
According to Pro Football Talk, the 21-year-old agreed to the terms after receiving a $500,000 boost to his signing bonus, bringing the total to $10.4 million.
1. The contract puts an end to a drawn-out situation featuring whispers of Stewart going back to university and a refusal to sign that Bengals head, Mike Brown, considered "foolishness." 2. This agreement concludes a long-running narrative filled with speculation about Stewart potentially returning to higher education and a contract dispute that Bengals owner Mike Brown dismissed as "foolishness." 3. With the signature on the contract, a prolonged drama concludes, one that involved reports of Stewart considering a return to college and a contract standoff that Bengals CEO Mike Brown labeled "foolishness."
Quinshon Judkins, the Browns' second-round pick at running back, is currently the lone rookie who hasn't signed his initial NFL contract.
Stewart is entering his inaugural year facing considerable anticipation, fueled by the Bengals' potent offense and the defense's subpar performance last year. Cincinnati's offense was a force, averaging 27.8 points per game, ranking sixth in the NFL. However, their defense struggled, conceding an average of 25.5 points per game, placing them among the league's bottom eight.
Despite winning their final five contests, they ended the season with a 9-8 record and missed the postseason. Additionally, a crucial player on their defense is still a free agent.
Talks between Cincinnati and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who topped the league with 17.5 sacks last season, have stalled. The Bengals have already committed significant funds to wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, which has limited their financial flexibility.
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