Overview

• Shemar Stewart left Cincinnati’s mandatory minicamp on June 12 after refusing updated contract language that could void future guarantees.
• Stewart and his agent, Zach Hiller, challenge fine-print terms on void years, bonus structures and injury protection despite his $19 million, four-year rookie scale.
• Four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson also skipped the sessions while seeking a long-term extension under the same revised clauses.
• Coach Zac Taylor says he’s had positive discussions with Stewart but warns that public criticism of the front office threatens locker room cohesion.
• Center Ted Karras emphasizes that teammates respect the players’ business concerns and hopes both sides resolve disputes before training camp.