Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin voiced frustration with rookie defensive lineman Shemar Stewart's continued absence from training camp, placing blame squarely on the advice Stewart is receiving from his representatives.
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Stewart, the No. 17 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, remains the only unsigned first-round selection across the league. The holdout stems from contract language the Bengals are seeking to include that would allow the team to void future guarantees under certain conditions — a provision Stewart's camp has pushed back against for months.
"I think Shemar needs to be here," Tobin said, via The Athletic. "I'm not going to blame Shemar. He is listening to the advice he is paying for. I don't understand or believe or agree with the advice, but I'm not the one paying for it."
Tobin insisted the team has acted in line with how other rookies are being handled around the league and denied that Cincinnati's approach has been out of step with standard practices.
"If I felt we were treating him unfairly as it relates to all the other draft picks in this year's draft, then maybe it would be a different story. But we are not," Tobin said. "I don't really understand where things are there."
Stewart, a defensive end out of Texas A&M, has not reported to camp and has offered no public comment since the dispute began. His continued absence comes as the Bengals also remain at odds with veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has openly criticized the organization's approach this offseason.
The Bengals have faced increasing scrutiny for their handling of both negotiations, drawing attention to a front office that has historically taken a firm stance in contract talks.
While the team has not closed the door on resolving the Stewart situation, Tobin's comments suggest the front office has grown increasingly impatient.
"We'd love to have him in here, getting better," Tobin said. "That's what this time is for."
As for Shemar Stewart, the tone is much less glowing. Will have more on it soon.
Mike Brown called the level it has risen to "silliness."
Duke Tobin was more blunt: "I think Shemar needs to be here ... I’m not going to blame Shemar. He is listening to the advice he is paying…
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 21, 2025
