9 hours ago
(06-24-2025, 06:17 PM)XsandOs Wrote: I agree with your thoughts and add that since the contract will be fully guaranteed, the issue revolves around the entire $19M of the deal.
The rookie bonus amounts are on a scale, so pre-determine. But if the Bengals are spreading the bonus payment ($9M) over the course of the contract, then the default language is a proverbial "gun to your head" situation.
But, if they are paying it out in the first 12 months or so, then I don't see it as much of an issue. Some Teams pay a portion at signing and the rest in December.
Ultimately; if the Bengals are instilling the default language, their bonus payment schedule and annual salary should mirror those of other Teams.
If they are offering that and Shemar is stuck on the precedent argument, then its on him.
I will add that the CBA reduced the draft pick compensation (especially for the high first rounders) with the stipulation that those contracts be fully guaranteed. I'm not sure which loopholes and why are they being used to side step the spirit of that agreement. But that is what it feels like to me.
EDIT:
Is the Henry Ruggs issue the culprit? I would be interested in when did this language start getting incorporated in rookie contracts.
Nice post XsandOs. I think the Henry Ruggs issue has a ton to do with a lot and players continue to drive like nutjobs (looking at Shedeur).
Shemar doesn't have a history of drugs or anything like that, so I would assume it was him buying a hot rod and maybe going crazy.
We don't know the details on bonus payments and annual salary, this could be the big holdup, and the Bengals are being cheap.
