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Shemar Stewart skips on-field workouts with Bengals with rookie deal unsigned
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Former Texas A&M star Shemar Stewart became a first-round pick during the 2025 NFL Draft. However, he did not participate in on-field workouts with the Cincinnati Bengals when the rookie minicamp opened.
Asked about his decision on Friday, Stewart said he simply “just decided not to sign those papers” for his rookie deal yet. He was also asked if there’s a chance to have the deal signed before Monday’s workouts.
“I would hope so,” Stewart indicated. “I would love to be a part of the team. I hate to be on the sidelines just watching everybody else do work.”
Stewart was selected by the Bengals with the 17th overall pick in a first round full of impact defensive tackles and defensive ends. According to Spotrac, Stewart’s contract projection is for a total value of just under $ 19 million with a signing bonus projection of around $10.4 million.
It’s unclear what the holdup for Stewart’s contract might be, though the Bengals locked up some key pieces to major long-term deals this offseason. Stewart’s situation is not completely uncommon, but it’s never a great spot to be in contract limbo.
Stewart wrapped up his career with the Aggies with 65 career tackles, 12 TFL and 4.5 sacks. Despite some lower production, he was a key performer at the NFL Combine and has the physical tools to become a game-changing defender when he stops on the field for the Bengals.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
