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This is the article I read earlier today on Shemar Stewart...
NFL First Round Pick Returns to College Amid Contract Dispute
Story by RotoBaller
2 min read
Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick defensive end Shemar Stewart has yet to sign his rookie contract and is in danger of missing the team’s training camp.
Earlier in the offseason, the 17th overall pick in this year’s draft skipped their mandatory minicamp and did not participate in any offseason workouts as he was in dispute over the language within their proposed rookie contract.
However, on Wednesday, the defensive end returned to Texas A&M to train, which suggests he could be eyeing a return to college football.
Stewart has reportedly been training with the Aggies several times throughout the summer and could be laying the foundation to return to school for another season. If he were to choose this route,
he would re-enter the NFL Draft in 2026. Stewart was viewed as a raw prospect upon graduating from school. In his junior collegiate season in 2024, Stewart tallied just 1.5 sacks with 31 tackles (14 solo) across 12 games. He also logged a career-high six tackles-for-loss.
This situation could have significant implications for the Cincinnati defense, as their star defensive end, Trey Hendrickson, is also in a contract dispute. Hendrickson also skipped the team’s mandatory minicamp but has recently resumed conversations, which could allow both sides to get a deal done shortly after training camp begins.
This situation is worth keeping a close eye on, as the Bengals missed the postseason last year primarily due to their defense, which was near the bottom of the league. In 2024, the Bengals allowed the eighth-most total yards per game and the seventh-most points per game.
Even though they have one of the best offensive units led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, a defense without Stewart and Hendrickson could have them missing the playoffs for the second-straight season.