The Cincinnati Bengals are seeking to add a default clause to Stewart's contract that would allow the team to void future guarantees if the player encounters legal or disciplinary issues. This language represents a departure from typical first-round contracts and was not included in previous Bengals first-round picks' agreements.

According to former NFL team executive Andrew Brandt, the clause would provide the Bengals flexibility to potentially exit guaranteed money obligations if Stewart faces suspension for on-field conduct, off-field conduct, arrest, or other disciplinary actions.

"I'm 100 percent right," Stewart said about his stance. "I'm not asking for nothing you all have never done before, but in you all case, you all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games."

Stewart possesses unique leverage compared to previous rookie holdouts due to substantial NIL earnings during his college career at Texas A&M. The former Aggies pass rusher collected significant Name, Image, and Likeness compensation, providing financial stability that allows him to extend contract negotiations without immediate financial pressure.

Also read: NFL Millionaires' Club: Meet the top 5 richest stars of all time - Check full net worthThis financial position represents a shift from traditional rookie contract negotiations, where players typically needed signing bonuses quickly due to limited personal resources. Stewart's NIL earnings enable him to maintain his negotiating position without compromising his financial security.Stewart has several strategic options if contract negotiations with the Bengals fail. Under Article 6 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, he could re-enter the NFL Draft in 2026 if he remains unsigned and does not play football in 2025.The re-entry process would make Stewart eligible for selection by any team except the Cincinnati Bengals. He would have until the Tuesday following Week 10 to sign his rookie contract or forfeit his 2025 playing eligibility.Stewart could request a trade from the Bengals, though any rookie trade must occur at least 30 days before the regular season begins. The deadline for such transactions falls around August 5 or August 8, depending on CBA interpretation.

A more controversial option involves Stewart's potential return to Texas A&M for his senior season. CBS Sports college analyst Bud Elliott reported that Stewart has been working out at Texas A&M this summer and could consider returning to college football.

"A guy who has had some good A&M stuff in the past, he hit me, he's like, 'Hey, Shemar might end up back here,'" Elliott said. "'He's been at College Station, he's been fully involved in workouts, He's holding out from the Bengals, (the) relationship is toxic. He could try to come back and play again this season and go into the draft again next year.'"

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NCAA rules prohibit drafted players from returning to college football, but Stewart could pursue legal action to challenge these restrictions.

The Stewart holdout compounds the Bengals' defensive concerns alongside Trey Hendrickson's absence. Both the team's 2024 sack leader and their projected pass rush complement are sitting out team activities.

Cincinnati's defense ranked among the NFL's worst units last season. The potential absence of both Stewart and Hendrickson during training camp could further compromise defensive preparation and early-season performance.

Joe Burrow addressed the holdout situation's impact on team preparation.

"Of course," Burrow said when asked if Hendrickson's absence was a distraction. "Last year, we had two. This year, we have one. So we do have less. You'd love to have none, but that's life in the NFL."

The Stewart situation represents the most contentious rookie contract standoff since Joey Bosa's 31-day holdout with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016. Bosa's holdout remains the longest by any rookie since the 2011 CBA implementation.

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The Bengals have historically maintained firm positions in contract negotiations, often resulting in extended holdouts and training camp absences. Previous negotiations with players like Ja'Marr Chase have created similar disruptions to team preparation and early-season performance.