Total Pro Sports
Things appear to be testy between the Cincinnati Bengals and highly-touted first-round pick Shemar Stewart with rookie minicamp underway.
NFL teams began rookie minicamp on Friday, with the sessions running until Sunday. But Shemar Stewart, the No. 17 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, decided not to participate in team activities.
Stewart watched from the sidelines and spoke to reporters about his decision to skip workouts, per Caleb Noe of WCPO.
“I just decided not to sign those papers,” Stewart said. “I would hope (to have the contract signed by Monday) so…I hate being on the sideline looking at everybody else do work…Especially on the first day, it’s kind of tough on me.”
You can listen to Shemar Stewart’s comments in the video clip below:
“I just decided not to sign those papers … I hate being on the sideline looking at everybody else do work.”
Bengals 1st round pick Shemar Stewart said he hopes to have his contract signed by next week.
He did not participate in rookie minicamp today, but was present.#Bengals… pic.twitter.com/8HWqmL3ROV
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) May 9, 2025
The majority of this year’s first-round picks have yet to sign their rookie deals, so it’s probably not something for Bengals fans to worry about. Still, it’s easy to understand why may feel uneasy about Stewart missing day one of rookie minicamp with no deal signed.
Stewart was regarded as a boom-or-bust prospect heading into the draft. He only had 4.5 sacks in his three seasons at Texas A&M, but his size (6-foot-5, 267 pounds) and explosive athleticism stood out to many scouts, so the physical tools are there for him to be a star in this league.
The Bengals have lacked a quality edge rusher to complement superstar Trey Hendrickson, who’s entering the final year of his contract. If Stewart comes as advertised, however, the Bengals will have two elite pass rushers who just might help Zac Taylor and company re-emerge as a Super Bowl contender.
Cincy narrowly missed the postseason with a 9-8 finish last year, despite career years from Hendrickson, Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow. We’ll see if Stewart can play a role in helping them bounce back.
