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Shemar Stewart Holdout Hits Deadline as Bengals Training Camp Nears

Failure to sign by Saturday will render him ineligible for the 2025 season.

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Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (DL68) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images/File Photo
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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.