When the Cincinnati Bengals used the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Shemar Stewart, the reaction was mixed. Actually, it was more like a civil war in the Bengals' subreddit. Some saw a physical specimen—6-foot-5, nearly 270 pounds—who could move like a linebacker. Others saw a "project" who only managed 4.5 sacks in his entire career at Texas A&M.
But nobody predicted the drama that followed.
We're now in the early stages of the 2026 offseason, and the Bengals are sitting on the No. 10 overall pick after a disappointing 6-11 season. The conversation has shifted from "Will Shemar Stewart be the next Trey Hendrickson?" to "Can this guy even stay on the field?" Honestly, if you're a Bengals fan, the 2025 season felt like a fever dream that didn't end well.
The Contract Drama That Almost Derailed Everything
Before he even put on a helmet, Stewart was making headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was the last first-round pick in the 2025 class to sign his contract. He even skipped on-field work during rookie minicamp and OTAs.
The beef? Contract language.
Cincinnati wanted a "default clause" that could void his future guarantees if he got suspended or arrested. Stewart’s camp basically said, "You didn't do this to Amarius Mims or Myles Murphy, so why me?" He told reporters at the time, "I’m 100 percent right... y’all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games."
It was ugly.
There was actual talk of him sitting out the year and re-entering the 2026 draft. Could you imagine? The Bengals finally signed him on July 26, 2025, to a four-year, $18.94 million deal. But the relationship started on a sour note, and the vibes never really recovered.
Was the Rookie Season a Total Wash?
If you look at the box score, you'll be depressed. Stewart finished his rookie campaign with very little to show for it. He missed a significant chunk of time on Injured Reserve (IR) and only managed a couple of solo tackles.
He's raw. We knew that.
But the Bengals' defensive struggles in 2025 weren't just on him. The unit ranked near the bottom of the league in generating pressure. With Trey Hendrickson dealing with injuries and the younger guys failing to fill the void, the "scary sight" Stewart promised during his draft night interview turned into more of a "nowhere to be found" situation.
The physical tools are still there, though. You can't teach a 4.59 40-yard dash at that size. PFF actually loved his run defense back at Texas A&M (an 88.2 grade), and that translated in small spurts during the preseason. But in the NFL, if you're a first-round edge rusher, you have to get to the quarterback. Period.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Potential
People love to call Stewart a "bust" because of the sack numbers. That’s a bit lazy.
The Bengals didn't draft him for what he did in College Station; they drafted him for what he could do under defensive coordinator Al Golden. The team saw him as an "ascending player."
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Think about it this way:
- He's incredibly young (only 22 during the 2026 draft cycle).
- He has the frame to add even more power without losing speed.
- He was effective at setting the edge, even when he wasn't finishing sacks.
The problem is that "potential" doesn't win the AFC North. Joe Burrow is in his prime. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are expensive. The window is open, but the defense is currently holding the team back.
The 2026 Outlook: A Make-or-Break Year
As we look at the Cincinnati Bengals Shemar Stewart connection heading into 2026, the pressure is astronomical. Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are sticking around, but they’ve been clear: the pass rush is the top priority.
In the latest 2026 mock drafts, experts are already projecting the Bengals to take another edge rusher like David Bailey from Texas Tech or Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami. That’s not a vote of confidence for the current group.
If Cincinnati goes defense again at No. 10, Stewart might find himself in a rotation rather than starting. He has to prove he can be the "flamethrower" the team needs. Otherwise, he’s just an expensive athlete taking up a roster spot.
How the Bengals Can Actually Fix Him
Honestly, the "toxic" label from the contract holdout needs to be buried. The team needs to treat 2026 like Stewart's true rookie year.
- Specialized Coaching: He needs to work with a DL guru to develop a go-to pass-rush move. The bull rush isn't enough in this league.
- Health First: Staying off the IR is the only way he’ll get the "true pass sets" he needs to learn.
- Scheme Fit: Stop asking him to be a finesse rusher. Let him use that massive frame to collapse the pocket from the inside on third downs.
The Bengals are at a crossroads. They have the 10th pick, a healthy Burrow, and a defense that needs a total reset. Shemar Stewart is either going to be the anchor of that reset or the poster child for why the Bengals' "cheap" scouting philosophy (as some fans call it) is failing.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason:
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- Monitor the Draft: If the Bengals take an EDGE at No. 10, Stewart’s path to a starting role becomes much harder.
- Watch Training Camp Reports: Last year, the contract distraction ruined his ramp-up. A full, healthy camp in 2026 is the only way to gauge his actual progress.
- Pay Attention to the Secondary: If the Bengals fix their safety issues (Caleb Downs is a name to watch), it might give the pass rush—and Stewart—more time to actually get home.
The talent is undeniable. The production is non-existent. Something has to give in 2026.