Is Shemar holding out?

[phil413]

(07-18-2025, 03:01 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: New wrinkle:

“It’s clear that Shemar, based on precedent, feels like he can’t take the Bengals’ deal right now,” Fowler began. He then explained:

From my understanding of the language and the contract, they’re essentially, in some areas, asking him to take a pay decrease from where last year’s number 17 pick, Dallas Turner in Minnesota, got with certain bonuses. Usually those numbers go up every year, as far as the percentage guarantee. His, to my understanding, was going down. So that’s problematic, and it’s something he isn’t willing to accept.

JFC

So realistically, they should compromise with giving the raise from Dallas Turner at least as a compromise to signing with the don't be a dummy clause.  It's wild that they're not giving that concession.  Asking him to take less makes more sense as to why the holdout has lasted this long.  They need to pay him for being their guy at 17.  Sending a message that if you're a Bengal you're going to have a conduct clause in your contract is one thing.  Showing future picks that they'll get paid less than the previous slot is a massive mistake.  This could cause players to not visit because of this.