Shemar Stewart Contract with the Bengals in Jeopardy? Here's What Happened

When first-round pick Shemar Stewart left Cincinnati Bengals minicamp last month without a deal, questions swirled about his future with the team. But things escalated this week, when reports emerged that the rookie defensive end was training at Texas A&M, his former school. Social media erupted because the question was if he was re-enrolling. Was he heading back to college? Was his rookie NFL contract officially doomed?

Turns out, the truth was far less dramatic — but still signals tension between Stewart and the Bengals.

Training Alone, Not Rejoining Texas A&M

On Monday, a report from 24/7 Sports analyst Bud Elliott suggested that Shemar Stewart might try to return to Texas A&M and play another season. This report cited anonymous sources who claimed he was 'fully involved in workouts' at College Station.

That sparked a flurry of speculation. This is especially because Stewart has yet to sign his rookie contract with the Bengals ahead of training camp as per Yahoo Sports. However, multiple reports quickly clarified the situation.

As Cincinnati Enquirer reporter Kelsey Conway confirmed, Stewart is only using Texas A&M's facilities. This is something that's actually common for NFL players training near home in the offseason. He's working out independently, and not practising with the Aggies.

So why the confusion? The original report blurred the line between training at a school and training with its team. The latter would violate NCAA eligibility rules. That's because it would suggest a potential move to re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why Stewart Hasn't Signed

The real issue remains unresolved: the contract dispute between Stewart and the Bengals, as per CBS Sports. At the heart of the standoff is language the Bengals want to insert into the rookie deal. If inserted, it would allow them to void future guaranteed money if Stewart were to face off-field issues. This was not a typical clause in standard first-round rookie contracts.

As the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Stewart is slotted to earn roughly $18.9 million over four years, fully guaranteed. That's dictated by the league's rookie wage scale. But this additional clause that's unique to Stewart has become a point of contention.

'I'm 100 percent right', Stewart said last month. 'I'm not asking for anything y'all have never done before'.

So far, neither side has blinked. And while Stewart continues to prepare for the NFL season on his own, there's no public sign of movement in the negotiations.

Could Stewart Really Go Back to School?

Technically, no. NCAA rules bar a player from returning to college football after being selected in the NFL Draft. However, legal grey areas exist. This is even more evident with today's NIL-fuelled landscape and ongoing litigation against NCAA transfer rules.

While Elliott floated the idea that Stewart might pursue litigation to challenge his ineligibility, there's no firm indication that he plans to do so. In fact, the clearer message is that Stewart is focused on NFL readiness, not collegiate eligibility.

Even the more realistic nuclear options, like re-entering the 2026 draft, would require Stewart to sit out the current season and avoid signing with any other professional football league. That path, while legally possible, comes with career and financial risks.

What Happens Next?

If no deal is reached by the Tuesday after Week 10 of the season, Stewart will be ineligible to play in 2025. He could also request a trade before the preseason deadline, but there is currently no sign that Cincinnati is entertaining such an option.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are dealing with a second contract standoff. This one is with All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. For a team that struggled defensively in 2024, having both pass-rushing stars sitting out could be a major setback.

For now, Shemar Stewart remains unsigned but committed to NFL preparation. The clock is ticking, but there's still time for both sides to come to terms before training camp opens. What's certain is that the situation is being closely watched across the league.