Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart doesn't report to training camp, remains unsigned

Field Level Media|published: Sat 19th July, 19:47 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals practice in the off season on Tuesday May 20, 2025. Bengals 2025 draft pick Shemar Stewart (97).

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart did not report to training camp on Saturday with the rest of the team's rookies. The Texas A&M product remains the only first-round selection who has not agreed to a rookie deal.

Stewart was the 17th pick and sat out of all offseason workouts because of a contract dispute stemming from guaranteed money. He's projected to receive a signing bonus of $10.4 million if he agrees to a contract.

Rumors about Stewart returning to Texas A&M began to swirl when he was spotted working out in College Station with his former college teammates. Aggies head coach Mike Elko stated on "SportsCenter" that Stewart does not have any intention of returning to college.

"In my case, I'm 100% right," Stewart said in June. "I'm not asking for anything [Cincinnati] hasn't done before. But in [the team's] case, y'all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games, in my opinion."

Stewart posted 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 31 combined tackles and a forced fumble in his junior season at Texas A&M.

--Field Level Media