Overview

• Stewart remains the only unsigned 2025 first-round pick after skipping all Bengals offseason activities over a disputed default clause in his rookie deal.
• He has been working out independently at Texas A&M’s facilities while rejecting language that would let Cincinnati void future guaranteed money.
• Texas A&M coach Mike Elko confirmed there is no plan for Stewart to return to college football, countering talk of a legal challenge to NCAA eligibility rules.
• Rookies must report by Saturday to qualify for training camp, creating a firm cutoff after which Stewart cannot play this season under NFL rules.
• If no agreement is reached, Stewart risks season-long ineligibility or re-entering the 2026 draft with the Bengals retaining exclusive negotiation rights.