NFL News: Bengals, DE Shemar Stewart Ink Fully Guaranteed Four-Year Rookie Deal…see more…
The Cincinnati Bengals have officially locked in their top rookie defensive end, Shemar Stewart, with a fully guaranteed four-year contract, the team announced on Friday. The deal, finalized after weeks of negotiation, marks a significant commitment by the Bengals to their defensive future and reinforces their faith in the former Texas A&M standout’s potential.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the contract is valued at approximately $18.2 million, fully guaranteed, with a $10.4 million signing bonus. The deal is in line with Stewart’s draft slot after the Bengals selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 36th overall. With this agreement, Stewart becomes one of the highest-paid second-round defensive ends in franchise history.
High Expectations for the Rookie
The Bengals were reportedly thrilled to land Stewart in the early second round, seeing him as a first-round talent who slid due to a deep class of edge rushers and concerns about his raw technique. Cincinnati’s front office sees Stewart as a long-term solution opposite Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson, with the potential to contribute right away on passing downs.
Head coach Zac Taylor expressed his excitement during a post-signing press conference:
> “Shemar is everything we look for in a young defender—tough, athletic, coachable, and relentless. He’s going to help us immediately, and we’re thrilled to have him locked in for the next four years.”
Background on Stewart
Shemar Stewart, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive end, was a dominant presence at Texas A&M. Over three seasons, he racked up 21 sacks and 38 tackles for loss, showcasing explosiveness off the edge, strength at the point of attack, and a motor that rarely slowed down. His junior year solidified his draft stock, as he earned All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player.
Scouts and analysts praised Stewart’s physical traits leading into the draft. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked him as his No. 27 overall prospect and noted:
> “Shemar has elite traits—length, quickness, and raw power. He needs polish, but his ceiling is through the roof.”
Seamless Transition to NFL Life
Since being drafted, Stewart has been a regular participant in Bengals offseason programs, minicamps, and voluntary workouts. Coaches have reportedly been impressed with how quickly he’s picked up the defensive scheme and his work ethic. Veteran defensive linemen have also taken him under their wing, helping him adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
Defensive line coach Marion Hobby spoke highly of Stewart’s development so far:
> “He’s a sponge. He asks the right questions, and he’s learning from every rep. Physically, he’s already at the NFL level. The mental part is catching up fast.”
Cap Management and Future Flexibility
The fully guaranteed deal does raise questions about the team’s cap strategy moving forward, especially as the Bengals juggle large contracts for Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and others. However, Stewart’s rookie deal is considered team-friendly over the long term, especially if he develops into a high-impact pass rusher.
General Manager Duke Tobin addressed this in Friday’s team statement:
> “We’re always balancing talent acquisition with cap flexibility. Stewart’s contract reflects our belief in him and our commitment to building a championship-caliber defense.”
Bengals Defensive Outlook
The Bengals are looking to rebound from a disappointing 9–8 season that saw their defense struggle, particularly in late-game situations. By bringing in Stewart and retooling their defensive line, the team is hoping to apply more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and shore up a run defense that ranked 25th in the league in 2024.
Stewart is expected to be part of a rotation that includes veterans like Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard, and B.J. Hill. But with his physical gifts, there’s speculation he could earn a starting role by midseason if his development continues on track.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport noted on NFL Total Access:
> “There’s a buzz inside that building that Stewart might be a game-wrecker by October. He’s just that talented. The Bengals may have found a hidden gem.”
Player Reaction
Stewart took to social media shortly after the news broke, tweeting:
> “All glory to God. Honored to be a Bengal. Time to work. #WhoDey 🐅🔥”
He also posted a photo from the team facility signing the contract, surrounded by his family and agents.
In an interview with Bengals.com, Stewart said:
> “I’m grateful for this opportunity. The coaches believe in me, and I’m going to give them everything I’ve got every day. This is just the beginning.”
What Comes Next
With his contract now signed, Stewart is set to fully participate in Bengals training camp, which begins next week. The team hopes to have him fully integrated into the defense by the preseason, where fans will get their first real glimpse of what the young pass rusher can do against live NFL competition.
The Bengals’ first preseason game is scheduled for August 10th against the Chicago Bears, and insiders expect Stewart to log significant reps in that matchup.
As the team looks to regain its footing in the ultra-competitive AFC North, Shemar Stewart’s arrival could mark a turning point for a defense seeking a new identity and a spark off the edge.
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Bottom Line: The Bengals’ investment in Shemar Stewart isn’t just about filling a roster spot—it’s a signal that the team is betting big on youth, upside, and homegrown defensive dominance. If Stewart lives up to his bil
ling, this contract could become one of the savviest moves of Cincinnati’s offseason.
