The Cincinnati Bengals and rookie defensive finish Shemar Stewart agreed to a four-year, absolutely assured $18.97 million contract Friday, per a number of experiences.
Stewart, drafted seventeenth general out of Texas A&M, was the ultimate first-round choice that remained unsigned. Most first-round picks signed their rookie contracts in Could or June, however Stewart and the Bengals confronted an deadlock stemming from contract language that might void his future assured cash.
Per Professional Soccer Speak, the 21-year-old accepted the language in alternate for a $500,000 enhance to his signing bonus, which now sits at $10.4 million.
The signing ends a saga that included rumors of Stewart returning to varsity and a holdout that Bengals president Mike Brown deemed “foolishness.”
Cleveland Browns second-round working again Quinshon Judkins is now the one rookie but to signal his rookie contract.
Stewart enters his first yr with excessive expectations, given the productiveness of the Bengals’ offense and the way disappointing their protection was final season. Cincinnati averaged 27.8 factors per sport, sixth-most within the league, however allowed 25.5 factors per contest, eighth-worst.
They received their final 5 video games however completed 9-8 and fell wanting the playoffs. Moreover, one among their protection’s key items stays unsigned.
Cincinnati’s contract negotiations with fellow defensive finish Trey Hendrickson, the league-leader in sacks final yr at 17.5, are at a standstill. The Bengals already invested closely in large receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, tightening their remaining cap house.
–Area Degree Media
