The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for what they hope will be a rebound season in 2025-26. Their latest move was drafting defensive end Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M in the first round of the NFL Draft. But there’s a snag—Stewart has yet to ink his rookie contract with the team.
At one point, Stewart was in good company with other 2025 draftees who hadn’t signed their rookie contracts. However, following Jahdae Barron’s recent deal with the Denver Broncos, Stewart stands alone as the last first-round pick still in negotiation limbo. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, via Grant Gordon of NFL.com, the sticking point in Stewart’s negotiations with the Bengals appears to be over guaranteed dollars.
Now, it’s a bit of a dicey situation for Cincinnati. In the mix is the buzz around Bengals star Joe Burrow, who is set to feature in Netflix’s “Quarterback” Season 2. But back to the gridiron—the Bengals need all the help they can get on their defensive line. There was a moment when it seemed they might part ways with defensive standout Trey Hendrickson following his trade request. But with no trade on the horizon, it looks like he might still suit up for Cincinnati, possibly under a new contract if things work out.
During his time with the Aggies, Stewart displayed undeniable raw talent and athleticism. While he might not be the most refined prospect in this draft class, his potential to shake things up at the professional level is palpable. Of course, that could only materialize if he finally signs on the dotted line.
Now, here’s the elephant in the room: the Bengals’ reputation for tight purse strings when it comes to contracts. This conservative approach historically stretches down to rookies like Stewart. It doesn’t paint the most flattering picture for a team trying to build and maintain competitive depth.
The Bengals are looking to snap a two-year playoff drought since their electrifying showdown in the 2022-23 AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes. With Joe Burrow at the helm, who’s undoubtedly one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, the offensive prowess is there. But Burrow can’t carry it all—fortifying that defensive line is crucial if the Bengals hope to shore up a defense that was susceptible last season. With Stewart’s potential in play, should a deal be reached, there’s hope for a more robust Bengals lineup this season.
