Shemar Stewart, Bengals reportedly reach agreement on rookie contract
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Shemar Stewart and the Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly put an end to one of the lengtheir contract disputes involving a rookie player.
The former Texas A&M star was the last remaining first-round pick from this year’s draft to be unsigned, even as the Bengals launched training camp this week. That dispute reportedly revolved around language in the contract that could have removed a full guarantee from Stewart’s deal.
As of Friday evening, the contract matter has been resolved, according to reporting from NFL insider Adam Schefter. He reports that Stewart’s deal is for 4 years and is fully guaranteed at $18.97 million, with a signing bonus of $10.4 million. That is a positive development for the franchise and the 17th overall pick in the draft.
Stewart shot up NFL Draft boards throughout the process, shining with his impressive blend of size and athleticism. His limited sack production while with the Aggies (4.5 in 3 career seasons) did not diminish his overall outlook based on his physical profile.
Now, the Bengals and Stewart can put this matter behind them with the rookie under contract. Here’s hoping he can shine out of the gate and be an early catalyst for a defense looking to put a horrific 2024 performance well in the rearview with Joe Burrow leading the Bengals’ offense.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
