The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their rookie signings by reaching an settlement with first-round cross rusher Shemar Stewart.
The 280-pound edge rusher from Texas A&M had been the ultimate unsigned first-round choose throughout the league earlier than each side discovered frequent floor on his rookie deal.
Stewart has wasted little time making an influence since becoming a member of coaching camp as a full participant.
His mixture of burst and physicality has stood out throughout early practices, drawing reward for his disruptive presence alongside the line of defense.
“Shemar Stewart has been DOMINATING the Bengals’ offensive line since he acquired again. Stewart shall be a nightmare for opposing O-lines,” Dov Kleiman wrote with a follow clip.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Shemar Stewart has been DOMINATING the Bengals’ offensive line since he acquired again 😳
Stewart shall be a nightmare for opposing O-lines. pic.twitter.com/KL1DB548VW
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 4, 2025
The Bengals chosen Stewart regardless of pre-draft questions on his school manufacturing numbers.
His 4.5 sacks throughout 37 video games at Texas A&M raised eyebrows amongst some analysts. Cincinnati considered him as a traits-over-production prospect whose talent set may assist fill the void left by Sam Hubbard’s retirement.
The crew has taken a measured method to Stewart’s improvement.
They’ve averted overwhelming the rookie with an excessive amount of accountability early in camp.
Nonetheless, Trey Hendrickson’s ongoing contract holdout may speed up Stewart’s timeline for significant snaps.
Cincinnati’s protection struggled in 2024 regardless of Joe Burrow’s sturdy quarterback play. The unit’s poor efficiency contributed to the crew lacking the postseason.
Stewart’s emergence turns into much more important given these defensive shortcomings from a yr in the past.
His early coaching camp performances recommend the rookie might exceed expectations.
The cross rusher’s pure potential to generate strain may show worthwhile for a protection trying to bounce again.
If Stewart continues progressing at this price, he has the instruments to turn out to be a cornerstone piece in Cincinnati’s defensive turnaround.
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