The Cincinnati Bengals have concluded a protracted standoff with their first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart, who has officially signed his rookie contract after months of negotiations. Stewart, a defensive end from Texas A&M, was selected 17th overall in the NFL Draft this past April. Initially, discussions between Stewart and the Bengals were tense, as the team sought to implement a new structure for rookie contracts that would allow them to void future guarantee payments. Stewart, however, maintained that his demands were standard and criticized the Bengals for prioritizing contract disputes over productivity on the field.
Despite attending minicamp meetings, Stewart did not participate in field activities and was absent from the team’s training camp, which caused frustration for Bengals executive Duke Tobin. He expressed concern that Stewart’s absence was a result of misguided advice from his representatives. Tobin emphasized that the team was treating Stewart fairly compared to other draft picks, suggesting that the impasse stemmed from Stewart’s advisers rather than the Bengals’ approach to contracts.
After an extended negotiation process, Stewart’s deal was finalized at $18.97 million, fully guaranteed, with a signing bonus of $10 million. This contract officially makes him the last first-round pick from the 2025 Draft to secure a deal. With the signing now complete, Stewart is expected to contribute to a Bengals defense that struggled last season, which played a significant role in the team missing the playoffs.
The Bengals’ defensive performance remains a pressing concern, particularly as they look to rebound from last year’s disappointments. With Stewart now part of the team, Cincinnati can begin to restructure its defense. The arrival of Stewart is particularly impactful given the ongoing contract negotiations with veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who has also been vocal about his desire for a new deal and has not heard from the team’s management since the draft.
Hendrickson was a standout in the previous season, leading the NFL in sacks, and his position on the team is crucial. The Bengals are now tasked with addressing both Hendrickson’s situation and integrating Stewart into a shaky defensive lineup. Stewart’s signing should boost the defense, but the management’s ability to balance contracts for key players could dictate how well the team performs this season.
Now with Shemar Stewart on the roster, the Bengals can focus on solidifying their defense moving forward. The combination of new talent and addressing existing player contracts will be vital to their success. They are hopeful that securing Stewart and renegotiating with veterans like Hendrickson will foster a more cohesive and formidable defensive unit, setting the stage for a playoff berth in the upcoming season.
