The Cincinnati Bengals have more than just the Trey Hendrickson quagmire to deal with. First-round pick Shemar Stewart is not practicing during mandatory minicamp as the sides continue to haggle over his rookie contract.
The No. 17 overall pick has yet to practice this offseason as the team reportedly attempts to set a new precedent with rookie contracts that allows the club to void future guarantees. Stewart currently is one of five first-round rookies still unsigned.
On Tuesday, Stewart took aim at the organization's stance.
"I'm 100 percent right. I'm not asking for nothing y'all have never done before," he said, referring to the team, according to SI.com. "But in y'all case, y'all just want to win arguments (more) than winning more games."
Stewart is at minicamp, but he told reporters on Tuesday that he will not participate in on-field work until he's signed.
"I still go to meetings. I still study my playbook," Stewart said. "Taking down the right notes, and then whenever I get some free time, I go out to train."
The Texas A&M edge rusher said he "can't say" what he really wants to regarding his contract situation but is itching to get on the field.
"It's very important," he said of offseason work. "You gotta get your body somewhat prepared to play football, especially me coming from college. The NFL is a way more physical game, even though I played in the SEC, which is very physical. Nothing compares to actually playing in the NFL. I thought I'd be on the field by now."
Stewart noted that he has still been able to stay in shape but feels he's "sort of" getting a little behind on the physical aspect of the transition to the NFL, even though he's able to keep up with the mental portion.
It's not the ideal start any rookie is looking for, particularly one as raw as Stewart. However, he said the ordeal hasn't poisoned his thoughts about the organization.
"I'm not going to say that. I'm still new here. We still have a long future ahead of us," Stewart said.
The Bengals have two more days of mandatory minicamp before breaking for the summer.
