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 stories.
Stewart, drafted seventeenth total out of Texas A&M, was the ultimate first-round choice that remained unsigned. Most first-round picks signed their rookie contracts in Might or June, however Stewart and the Bengals confronted an deadlock stemming from contract language that would void his future assured cash.
Per Professional Soccer Discuss, the 21-year-old accepted the language in change for a $500,000 improve to his signing bonus, which now sits at $10.4 million.
The signing ends a saga that included rumors of Stewart returning to school and a holdout that Bengals president Mike Brown deemed “foolishness.”
Cleveland Browns second-round operating 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 recreation, sixth-most within the league, however allowed 25.5 factors per contest, eighth-worst.
They gained their final 5 video games however completed 9-8 and fell wanting the playoffs. Moreover, one in every of 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 vast receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, tightening their remaining cap house.
–Subject Degree Media