The Cincinnati Bengals and rookie first-round pick Shemar Stewart have made no progress on contract talks a training camp looms, reports say. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the team re-opened contract talks with Stewart late last month, but they did not progress. They have not spoken again since the end of June, at least as of June 3. Although it’s several days since, there are no further reports indicating talks, let alone progress.
Ordinarily, the absence of a contract for a rookie wouldn’t be so alarming, but this case is different. In a rare move, Shemar Stewart has declined to sign a participation waiver, which would allow him to practice.