Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart still has yet to sign a contract with the team, but it sounds like the talk of him returning to Texas A&M can officially be put to rest.
Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is the only remaining first-round selection who has yet to sign an NFL contract. The star pass-rusher has been at odds with the Bengals over language in his proposed rookie deal that could allow the team to void future guarantees. Stewart has even openly criticized Cincinnati’s front office.
Some have wondered if Stewart could refuse to play for the Bengals. There has been speculation that he could try to find a way to return to college.
Stewart has been working out at Texas A&M amid his holdout, which only fueled the narrative of him exploring a way to return to the Aggies. Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko was asked about that on Thursday, and he essentially laughed it off.
“There’s no intentions of Shemar to play for the Aggies this year,” Elko said in an interview with ESPN’s Shae Cornette. “But Shemar has been around. He’s very comfortable in our program. Really likes what we do training wise. He’s been training, getting ready for his season this year with the Bengals. We wish him the best.”
Stewart could, in theory, stand his ground and not show up when the regular season begins. If he were to go that route, the situation would become much more complicated.
With star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson also holding out, the Bengals need to find a way to resolve their issues with Stewart. The tension will likely only increase after training camp begins next week.