The situation between the Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar Stewart is such a mess that Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko had to address a rumor that the defensive end could be playing football for the Aggies this fall.
Stewart is in a contract dispute this summer with the Bengals over fully guaranteed pay, as the value of the contract has already been determined by the CBA. One option Stewart has if he doesn’t sign with Cincinnati is to return to the Aggies, which would likely mean a lawsuit against the collegiate governing body.
Stewart was not with the Bengals during mandatory minicamp, choosing not to be a distraction while he holds out for guaranteed pay. The No. 17 pick has spent time at College Station working out with the Aggies program this summer, prompting some to wonder if he might return to college football.
Texas A&M coach on Cincinnati Bengals draftee’s potential return
Per Ben Baby and Shae Cornette of ESPN, Elko said there is no “intention” at this time for Stewart to play for the Aggies in 2025.
“There’s no intentions of Shemar to play for the Aggies this year,” Elko said. “But Shemar has been around. He’s very comfortable in our program. Really likes what we do training-wise. He’s been training, getting ready for his season this year with the Bengals. We wish him the best.”
Whether those intentions could change if he hasn’t been signed in late August remains to be seen.
During his three seasons in college, Stewart recorded 4.5 sacks, 65 tackles, and 12 tackles for loss.
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