Shemar Stewart's Standoff with Bengals: A Return to College Football?
The eligibility of Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals' rookie defensive end, has become a subject of intense speculation. This article examines the details surrounding his contract dispute with the Bengals and addresses rumors of a potential return to college football.
Contract Dispute and Guaranteed Money
Shemar Stewart, selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is currently the only first-round pick who has yet to sign with his team. The primary reason for the delay is a disagreement over contract language related to guaranteed money. The Bengals reportedly seek to include a clause that would allow the team to void guaranteed portions of Stewart’s four-year, $18.94 million contract if he faces disciplinary action which could apply to a wide range of potential infractions, from league suspensions to legal issues or internal policy violations.
Stewart's camp insists on a contract consistent with those of previous Bengals' first-round picks, without the specific clause that could jeopardize his guaranteed money. In June, Stewart expressed his frustration: "I’m 100% right. I’m not asking for nothing you all have never done before, you all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games.”
Bengals de facto general manager Duke Tobin and owner Mike Brown have commented on the negotiations. Tobin stated, "I don't blame Shemar. He’s listening to the advice he’s paying for. I don’t understand the advice… We’re treating him fairly." Brown elaborated, "I hesitate to get into the details but basically it turns on whether out years are guaranteed if he gets involved in conduct detrimental to football. Detrimental to football in recent years has been violence to women, that's the one that comes to mind. If we get a player who gets involved in something like that or does something that is just unacceptable, guess what? I don't want to pay him."
Rumors of a College Football Return
Amidst the contract impasse, rumors began circulating about a possible return to college football for Stewart. CBS Sports’ Bud Elliott reported that Stewart had been seen working out in College Station, fueling speculation that he might attempt to regain his college eligibility and enter the draft again next year.
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However, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has firmly dismissed these rumors. Elko told 247Sports during SEC Media Days that there’s “no truth” to speculation about a potential college comeback. He clarified that Stewart has been using the team facilities to train and prepare for his NFL season. Elko told ESPN's Shae Cornette "There's no intentions of Shemar to play for the Aggies this year," . "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."
NCAA Eligibility and Potential Legal Challenges
Current NCAA rules prevent Stewart from returning to Texas A&M because he has already been drafted by an NFL team. Overcoming this would likely require a lawsuit against the collegiate governing body.
Even if Stewart were to successfully challenge the NCAA's bylaws, it is likely that the Bengals would retain his rights as the 17th overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft.
Other Options
Given the unlikelihood of a return to college football, Stewart's focus remains on resolving his contract dispute with the Bengals. One potential strategy, as suggested by Billy Heyen of TheSportingNews.com, involves leveraging interest from other schools to pressure the Bengals into conceding on the contract language. The idea is that if Stewart were paid well to play college football in 2025, he would still receive his rookie deal money from the Bengals in 2026, albeit with a delay in his eligibility for a second contract or free agency.
Impact on Texas A&M
Despite the rumors and Stewart's presence at their facilities, Texas A&M remains focused on their own season preparations. Elko reiterated that Stewart has been respectful and professional while using team facilities and that there is no indication that the coaching staff feels distracted.
Read also: UCLA's Luminary: Andrew Stewart
Betting Odds and Professionalism
The contract standoff has also drawn attention from online sports betting communities. Some oddsmakers have adjusted preseason prop odds, with Stewart now at +1500 to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and +1200 to be the top edge‑rusher among rookies. Despite the drama, Stewart’s offseason approach has remained professional, refraining from public comments about returning to school and continuing to work out independently.
Bengals' Perspective and Training Camp
The Bengals' rookies reported for training camp on July 18, but Stewart was not in attendance. He and linebacker Demetrius Knight, the team's second-round pick, were the only members of Cincinnati's six-person class who had not inked their rookie deals. However, Knight made his deal official on Saturday afternoon ahead of the starting training camp. The difference in the details is notable and shows the gap in Stewart's negotiation. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the percentage of Knight's signing bonus that was paid up front was not offered to Stewart. Knight's signing bonus is projected at $3.2 million, according to OverTheCap.com. Stewart is projected to receive a signing bonus of $10.4 million.
Read also: Stewart's Time at Colorado
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