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Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart is in a contract dispute, refusing to sign his deal and leaving mandatory minicamp. This is unusual given the NFL's rookie wage scale, which typically eliminates such holdouts. Stewart's issue centers on contract default language regarding guaranteed money, differing from the Bengals' approach with previous draftees. While other unsigned first-round picks are practicing, Stewart's refusal to sign a practice waiver adds to the conflict. The dispute highlights the Bengals' unique contract structuring and the rare occurrence of rookie contract holdouts in the modern NFL.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.