A settlement has finally been reached over Shemar Stewart’s contract standoff, which was structured around a controversial provision. The Cincinnati Bengals and their prized first-round pick have agreed to a four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $18.97 million, including a $10.4 million signing bonus, allowing Stewart to begin training camp and his NFL career in earnest. Here’s a full explanation of what led to the agreement and what it implies for both sides.

What Sparked the Holdout?

Stewart was selected 17th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, making him the final unsigned first-round choice. The conflict centered on new contract wording added by the Bengals—provisions that would allow the organization to invalidate guaranteed money for conduct considered harmful to football—a condition Stewart’s camp opposed as unfair and inconsistent with the franchise’s previous history.

Bengals president Mike Brown criticized the delay, calling it “a form of foolishness,” while Duke Tobin, director of player personnel, suggested Stewart was following questionable advice. Meanwhile, Stewart remained on the sidelines, refusing to practice and missing crucial offseason reps.

The Deal

Under pressure and following a lengthy impasse, a deal was announced on Friday. The final four-year deal includes:

$18.97 million, totally guaranteed.

$10.4 million signing bonus.

$500,000 of the bonus was paid up front rather than postponed until December.

Stewart agreed to the previously contested phrase in return for somewhat enhanced payment structure, referred to as “improved payout language” by NFL Media sources.

Stewart will be able to participate in all team activities when the agreement is completed, including practice and preseason games.

Stewart’s Profile & Team Need

Stewart, a 21-year-old defensive end, joins Cincinnati with a 6-foot-5, 267-pound body. Although his college stats were not impressive (65 tackles and 4.5 sacks over three seasons), his 65 pressures were among the top in the SEC, positioning him as a promising developing potential.

Stewart is a crucial component of the Bengals’ defensive reconstruction, as they finished 25th in total defense in 2024 and missed the playoffs despite scoring at least 30 points in four defeats.

What Stewart Missed—and What Lies Ahead

Stewart missed:

All OTAs and rookie minicamp

The first week of training camp, including mandatory workouts 

Al Golden, the Bengals’ defensive coordinator, underlined that Stewart only attended classroom sessions, which means he must swiftly learn technique and principles on the practice field before the season opener against Cleveland on September 7.

Now that he’s legally signed, the youngster can start catching up and developing chemistry with fellow pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is also looking for a long-term contract but has yet to sign.

Broader Impact & Takeaways

Contract precedent: Stewart’s preference for clearer contractual language follows a trend in 2025, when second- (and some first-) round picks have pushed for fully guaranteed contracts and favorable payout structures.

Inside perspective: Former NFL executive Jake Rosenberg openly supported the Bengals, calling Stewart’s boycott unjustified and warning that missing developmental repetitions might harm his long-term prospects.

Locker room optics: QB Joe Burrow characterized contract disagreements in the camp as “business,” citing the impact on team preparation while defending players’ rights to fairly negotiate contracts.

Final Thoughts

With Shemar Stewart already on board, Cincinnati has completed a big draft asset and can now work on integrating him into the defensive rotation. While the holdout hampered the projected start to his term, the agreement—anchored by full assurances and bonus compromises—resolved the impasse.

The focus now shifts to Trey Hendrickson’s ongoing contract situation, which remains unresolved as he stays away from camp. The tone of Cincinnati’s defensive season may be determined by how they manage that negotiation, as well as Stewart’s return to the field.

Stewart’s NFL career can finally begin in earnest, with a contract in hand and the will to make every rep matter.