Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart remains unsigned as training camp approaches, and there are indications the former Texas A&M defensive end could be exploring an unexpected route.
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According to Bud Elliott of CBS Sports, Stewart has been "fully involved in workouts" at Texas A&M. The report, shared by The Sporting News and cited by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, suggests that Stewart may be considering a return to college football if his contract impasse with the Bengals continues.
While fall practices have yet to begin, multiple reports confirm Stewart has indeed been working out at his former school. However, he is not practicing with the team. The idea that Stewart could re-enter the college game raises complex questions about NCAA eligibility, NFL draft rights, and the legal framework that governs both.
NFL rules state that Cincinnati, which selected Stewart with the 17th overall pick, would retain his rights through the first draft after his college eligibility expires. Under current NCAA rules, a drafted player is barred from returning to college football. But as Florio notes, those restrictions could face challenges under federal antitrust law. Stewart has not signed a contract or received an NFL paycheck, which could open a legal pathway for reinstatement.
Any return would require swift action, with the 2025 college football season fast approaching. According to Florio, Stewart is believed to be open to NIL financial offers from Texas A&M or other schools, should a path back be made available.
The contract dispute centers around the Bengals' reported insistence on more aggressive language regarding the voiding of guarantees — terms Stewart and his camp have not accepted. If Stewart holds firm and delays the start of his pro career by a year, it could pressure Cincinnati to soften its stance or risk losing a top prospect for the season.
Whether this standoff ends with Stewart in stripes or back in College Station remains to be seen. But with the legal landscape shifting and NIL money in play, Stewart's leverage may be stronger than most unsigned rookies before him.
