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Shemar Stewart Reacts to Cincinnati Bengals Contract: 'Finally Made It'

The Cincinnati Bengals ended a long-standing contract dispute with former Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart.
Zach Dimmitt|
Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart speaks during a press conference, Friday, April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart speaks during a press conference, Friday, April 25, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Texas A&M AggiesCincinnati Bengals

At long last, the contract drama between the Cincinnati Bengals and first-round pick Shemar Stewart came to an end on Friday as the former Texas A&M Aggies edge rusher signed his rookie deal.

Stewart, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was the last first-round pick this offseason to come to terms on a deal.

Though the saga has been hair-pulling for Bengals and NFL fans alike, no one is more relieved it's over than Stewart himself.

Shemar Stewart Talks Bengals Contract Agreement

"I feel like I finally made it here," Stewart said, per the Bengals team website. "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. ... I can't wait for Who-Dey Nation to see them. Now I've got to make my mark. I can't tell you how long I've been dreaming about this."

Stewart previously had some blunt words about the Bengals front office during rookie minicamp when asked about his contract situation. But with pen now to paper, he said the Bengals "made (him) feel welcome."

"It was a pretty cool moment. They made me feel welcome. Made me feel wanted," Stewart said. "Made me feel like I belong here. It was a very great moment. This is where I wanted to be the whole time."

With Stewart's contact now signed, any speculation about him potentially returning to college to play for Texas A&M next season is now officially over.

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko said on SportsCenter during SEC Media Days that Stewart would not be returning to college despite working out with the team on campus.

“Shemar Stewart is back with us, working out, getting ready to go to Cincinnati to play in the NFL. It’s amazing what can get created on social media these days," Elko said. " ... There's no intentions of Shemar to play for the Aggies this year. 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."

Now participating with the team at training camp, Stewart will get a chance to make his preseason debut when the Bengals visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 7.

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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