The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into training camp without their first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart, as a contract dispute continues to boil over. And now, his agent has thrown gasoline on the fire.
Stewart, selected 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, still hasn’t signed his rookie deal. That’s an unusual delay for a player of his stature. On Monday, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin addressed the media, expressing confusion about the advice Stewart has been getting.
“I don’t blame Shemar,” Tobin said. “He’s listening to the advice he’s paying for. I don’t understand the advice.”
That comment didn’t sit well with Stewart’s agent, Zac Hiller, who fired back with a ruthless one-liner.
“Duke Tobin has had no involvement in this negotiation,” Hiller told Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “It seems to be above his pay grade.”
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Tensions Rising in Cincinnati Bengals
This jab suggests there may be deeper friction between Stewart’s camp and the Bengals’ front office. Hiller’s sharp remark publicly questions Tobin’s authority, indicating negotiations may be taking place at a higher level within the organization.
Stewart has already been making headlines this offseason. He skipped organized team activities and was recently seen practicing at his alma mater, Texas A&M, instead of reporting to Bengals camp.
The 21-year-old edge rusher is reportedly holding out due to language in his rookie deal, particularly surrounding guaranteed money. His unsigned deal includes a $10.4 million signing bonus, if and when he signs.
Meanwhile, the Bengals’ defense is in flux. Veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is also holding out due to his own contract issues, and Germaine Pratt was released earlier this summer. The team’s front seven is looking thin, and Stewart’s absence only intensifies that concern.
The Bengals may be hoping this standoff ends quickly. But based on Hiller’s biting comments, a resolution doesn’t appear imminent.
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