The situation surrounding Bengals EDGE rusher Shemar Stewart has taken an unexpected turn since he was drafted with the 17th overall pick earlier this year. As of now, Stewart is still unsigned, and reports suggest that he could be contemplating a return to college football at Texas A&M.
According to insights from CBS Sports, Stewart, just 21 years old, has been noticeably active in workouts at Texas A&M. His potential decision to head back to school this season and re-enter the draft next year could create ripples throughout the league. This development raises fascinating questions, as NCAA rules typically prevent players who have been drafted professionally from returning to collegiate play.
However, the landscape of college athletics is shifting, especially as the NCAA finds itself grappling with challenges stemming from federal antitrust laws. The notion that a player could effectively navigate this situation is becoming more conceivable. PFT’s Mike Florio highlighted an important detail: since Stewart has not yet received an NFL paycheck or signed a professional contract, it begs the question of why he should be barred from returning to school.
Yet, as the college football season looms on the horizon, Stewart’s absence from team practices has been a point of attention. While he hasn’t been on the field with his teammates, his presence around the program has been noteworthy, suggesting that he is still engaged with the football community.
If Stewart were to make the leap back to college in 2025, it’s expected that the Bengals would maintain his draft rights for the initial year he’s eligible to declare again. This nuance could certainly influence how the Bengals view their current roster management, particularly amid their ongoing contract negotiations with All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
In many ways, Stewart’s situation encapsulates the evolving frameworks of college football and the NFL. As player rights and NCAA regulations continue to unfold, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how these dynamics play out, particularly for a player of Stewart’s caliber. The path ahead holds intrigue not just for Stewart himself, but potentially for the NFL teams that may find themselves navigating uncharted waters with similar circumstances.
