Shemar Stewart Expands on First Bengals Practice, Rookie Contract

CINCINNATI — Shemar Stewart was all smiles at his locker on Sunday following a hard day of work at Bengals training camp. The newly signed rookie dove into his deal saga ending, and looking ahead to a hopeful great first season in stripes.

"I'm here to work, fully locked in, no distractions. I can't wait to put on for y'all this season," Stewart said in front of his locker on Sunday before noting he's "not trying to prove anything. I just want to come in and work just as hard as my teammates."

Stewart hit the ground running with his teammates Sunday after signing on Saturday, a drawn out process that he vehemently defended his agent for. Stewart agreed to the new default language with the Bengals but got an additional bump on his signing bonus in a compromise.

"That's my dog for life," Stewart said about agent Zac Hiller. He confirmed he has no regrets about the process to ink a deal.

There was drama back and forth, but the focus has shifted. Stewart wants to show why he's one of the best pass rushers in his class and help turn aorund a bottom-seven defense last season.

"I feel like I finally made it here," Stewart said on Saturday to Geoff Hobson. "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."

The former Texas A&M talent gets his first taste of NFL game snaps next Thursday. Stewart already got a nice taste of double-digit reps in his first practice.

"I just needed to be on the field as soon as possible," Stewart concluded. "I need to start learning, start getting better. So long season ahead, I need to be ready."

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