Stewart has several options and he could quickly turn into the Bengals' (and NFL's) worst nightmare if he decides to go with a nuclear option of re-entering the draft next year, a process that is outlined in article 6 of the CBA .

The implementation of a rookie wage scale in 2011 has largely ended contract holdouts of draft picks, with a couple of exceptions.

Amid contract disputes with rookie pass-rusher Shemar Stewart and All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly gained a reputation within the NFL for being tough negotiators.