Shemar Stewart's negotiating period lasted longer than any other first-round pick from the 2025 draft class.
In fact, the standoff lasted so long, Stewart missed a few training camp practices and couldn't find the exit from the news cycle for weeks. Finally, as Stewart said Saturday, both his representation and the Bengals found common ground where they "both thought it would be beneficial for us to stop arguing and just get me back on the field."
With Saturday being an off day for the Bengals, Stewart did not hit the practice field until Sunday morning. That didn't quell the thrill of putting pen to paper, though.
"I feel like I finally made it here," Stewart said on Saturday, via the team's official site. "Growing up, it's like everyone else. A long shot. It's a long shot for you to even make it. And then when you finally put it (the uniform) on, that actually makes you feel alive.
"Now I've got to make my mark. I can't tell you how long I've been dreaming about this."
Stewart's prolonged holdout meant he needed to find an alternative home for training, so he returned to the place he knew best: Texas A&M, inspiring some panic among Bengals fans that he might not be nearing a deal with Cincinnati. In the end, they needn't worry. Now, however, Stewart must get up to speed with his teammates as he embarks on his pro career.
"Football is football. Only way I feel behind is if I ever question my physicality, which I don't," Stewart said. "Question my football abilities, which I don't. Sure, there are going to be some days I felt like I just got beat up on, but at the end of the day, that's football."
As Stewart progressed through the pre-draft process, onlookers couldn't help but salivate over his potential. Boasting a 6-foot-5, 267-pound frame that appears to be carved from granite, Stewart posted fantastic testing numbers, inspiring visions of a game-changing edge rusher. But his collegiate career lacked significant statistical production -- he left College Station, Texas with just 4.5 sacks in his career -- leading many to wonder whether he'd ever reach his potential at the next level.
That didn't dissuade the Bengals, a team that isn't afraid to draft players with more traits and potential than production.
Stewart aims to end that debate in his rookie season, telling the Bengals' official site that he plans to compile a memorable debut campaign with a simple starting goal of "being a physical presence among the line in early downs."
He knows that won't happen overnight. Luckily, by signing his rookie deal and joining the team, he's finally cleared the first checkpoint on his journey.
"I still have a lot of work to get to that. I can't wait for it to unfold," Stewart said.
