As Bengals training camp begins July 18, first-round pick Shemar Stewart remains unsigned. Get the latest on his contract drama for the 2024 NFL season.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It's finally here, Who Dey Nation. The rookies have officially reported to Cincinnati for training camp today, July 18, marking the unofficial start of the 2025 season. But the excitement is tinged with a bit of drama, as all eyes remain on the team's top draft pick, Shemar Stewart. Amid a contract impasse that has kept him away from offseason workouts, the rumor mill went into overdrive with speculation he might return to college. Thankfully, his Texas A&M coach stepped in today to pour cold water on that fire, insisting Stewart's future is in stripes.
'Shemar Stewart is back with us, working out, getting ready to go to Cincinnati to play in the NFL. It's amazing what can get created on social media these days.' - Texas A&M Coach Mike Elko
The biggest cloud hanging over the start of camp has been the status of first-round pick Shemar Stewart. The 17th overall selection remains unsigned over a dispute concerning guaranteed money language in his rookie deal. With Stewart absent from team activities, social media rumors suggested a shocking return to Texas A&M was possible. However, Aggies head coach Mike Elko shot down that speculation on Friday, confirming Stewart is preparing for his NFL career in Cincinnati. With rookies reporting today, the pressure is on for the Bengals to finalize a deal for both Stewart and second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr., the only two unsigned rookies.
The focus on Stewart isn't just because he's a first-rounder; it's because he's the centerpiece of a massive defensive overhaul. After a dismal 2024 season that saw the defense rank 25th in yards allowed and led to the firing of coordinator Lou Anarumo, GM Duke Tobin invested heavily in that side of the ball. Stewart is expected to be a day-one contributor, helping to fill the enormous void left by the retirement of franchise stalwart Sam Hubbard. The performance of this rookie class will be a direct referendum on Tobin's draft strategy and a critical test for Zac Taylor, who needs to avoid another slow start to the season.
While the defense is the big question mark, the front office did crucial work to keep the offensive core intact and shore up the roster. The Bengals locked down key playmakers, most notably re-signing WR Tee Higgins to a massive 4-year, $115 million deal. They also retained defensive tackle B.J. Hill (3 years, $33 million) and tight end Mike Gesicki (3 years, $25.5 million), ensuring continuity. Key contributors Joseph Ossai and Marco Wilson also return on one-year deals. The team did say goodbye to depth pieces like Joe Bachie and Khalil Herbert, who both signed with the Colts.
With the rookie class now in Cincinnati, the countdown is on. Veterans are set to report on July 22, with the entire team hitting the field for the first official practice on Wednesday, July 23, at the Kettering Health Practice Fields. This gives the front office a small but critical window to get Stewart and Knight Jr. signed and integrated before the real work begins. The next few days are crucial for setting the tone for a season with massive expectations.
With rookies in the building and veterans on the way, the offseason chatter is officially over. All eyes now turn to the Kettering Health Practice Fields. The primary focus will be on the defense and whether this high-priced, high-drafted unit can gel quickly. The Shemar Stewart contract situation needs a swift resolution, but the real story begins when the pads come on. Can this new-look defense erase the memory of 2024 and propel the Bengals back to the top of the AFC North? We'll start getting answers on July 23.
