Cincinnati Bengals rookie first-round defensive end Shemar Stewart remains unsigned and has left mandatory minicamp this week, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. Stewart had been attending offseason team activities, but without being signed and with the Bengals asking for certain clauses, he has left. Because he's not under contract, the 21-year-old pass-rusher won't be subject to fines for missing mandatory minicamp. This situation will most certainly be handled sooner than later, but the young defensive end is missing valuable reps as he heads into his first NFL season in 2025. Stewart was taken with the 17th overall pick back in late April, and the Bengals could need him even more if All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson's holdout extends into the regular season or if he's traded.
Shemar Stewart Away From Team Amid Contract Dispute
Cincinnati Bengals first-round rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart will remain away from the team for Phase 2 of the team's offseason workouts that start on Tuesday due to a disagreement over contract language in his rookie deal, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The 21-year-old was the 17th overall pick in this year's NFL draft, and he's reportedly requesting that his contract language be the same as the team's last two first-round selections. Stewart is missing important repetitions before his rookie season, but it would be a surprise if his holdout lasted deep into the summer for training camp. In addition to working out an agreement on Stewart's rookie deal, the Bengals are tied up in a disagreement over a long-term contract extension for All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson this offseason.
The Bengals added Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart to their defense with the No. 17 pick in the first round on Wednesday night. Stewart only had 4.5 sacks in his 37 college games, along with 65 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. However, he vaulted up draft boards with an impressive showing at the NFL Combine. He posted a perfect Relative Athletic Score (RAS) score and ranked near the top of the class in almost every physical measurement. The Bengals will now need to coach Stewart up to realize the most impact for his raw physical talent and develop him into a key part of their defense.
Former Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart is scheduled to visit with the Atlanta Falcons, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Falcons could certainly use help in the pass-rushing department, and Stewart is a projected top-10 pick in this year's NFL draft after an explosive performance at the NFL Combine at the end of February. The Falcons currently hold the No. 15 overall pick in the first round of the draft, so should Stewart slip slightly, he could be right in their range. Atlanta has already made several additions to the defensive side of the ball in free agency this week as well, adding edge rusher Leonard Floyd, cornerback Mike Hughes and linebacker Divine Deablo. According to Pro Football Focus, Stewart is their No. 26-ranked player in this year's draft class.
Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart wowed scouts during last week's Senior Bowl with his power off the edge, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Stewart stands at 6-foot-5 and 281 pounds, and his 83-inch wingspan is the same as Jadeveon Clowney. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says that Stewart received the most "wow" responses of all the first-round talents for this year's NFL draft. However, he doesn't come without risk, as he only had 4.5 sacks in three years and 1.5 sacks in 2024. "He stamped himself as the best player," an NFL personnel evaluator said. There's no denying Stewart's physical prowess, but many NFL teams could be torn on draft day between his production at the collegiate level and his potential at the next level. Either way, someone will be taking a chance on him in the first round in April.
Shemar Stewart
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Bengals
