Shemar Stewart’s Contract Saga Adds Drama Ahead of NFL Debut
As NFL training camps loom on the horizon, few rookie stories have drawn as much attention as that of Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round pick, Shemar Stewart. While most players are steadily preparing for their professional debuts, Stewart finds himself at the center of a swirling controversy that has caught fire across social media and sports news outlets.
The spark came from a report by 247Sports’ Bud Elliott, who claimed that Stewart had been “fully involved” in Texas A&M’s summer workouts—suggesting a potential return to the Aggies, despite being drafted 17th overall. The rumor triggered confusion and frustration among Bengals fans, many of whom feared the franchise’s top defensive investment might not take the field at all in 2025.
However, a source close to the situation confirmed that while Stewart is indeed using Texas A&M’s facilities, he’s not training with the college team. Instead, he’s conducting solo workouts to stay in peak physical condition ahead of his expected NFL debut. For many rookies, returning to familiar college environments is part of the transition into the pros, especially when those locations offer state-of-the-art facilities and trusted trainers.
But the heart of the issue isn’t where Stewart is training—it’s the contract that still hasn’t been signed. Stewart and the Bengals remain in a standoff over the wording of future guarantees, a sticking point that has left both parties at an impasse. Despite the team’s offseason program coming and going without his participation, Stewart has remained focused on his fitness and game readiness. With rookies due to report for training camp on Saturday, the pressure is mounting.
He’s not alone in this contractual limbo. Stewart and Denver Broncos’ first-round pick, cornerback Jahdae Barron, are currently the only players from the 2025 first-round class who have yet to ink their rookie deals. This delay isn’t entirely unusual—rookie contract negotiations often involve intense scrutiny over guarantees, bonuses, and injury protections. However, the Bengals’ front office, known for its conservative approach to contracts, has faced growing criticism for allowing the situation to drag on.
Meanwhile, fans and analysts are left to speculate. Some believe the standoff could extend into preseason, risking valuable development time for Stewart. Others suggest this is simply a high-stakes negotiation that will resolve before pads come on and games begin.
If and when Stewart suits up, expectations will be sky-high. A dominant pass-rusher with elite college stats, he’s projected to be a foundational piece in Cincinnati’s defensive rebuild. But before he can chase quarterbacks, he and the Bengals must first settle the score off the field.
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