Shemar Stewart Shocks NFL: Bengals Rookie Eyes Texas A&M Return and 2026 Draft Re-Entry

The saga surrounding defensive end Shemar Stewart has taken another dramatic turn, and college-football and NFL fans alike are glued to every update. Former Texas A&M five-star phenom Stewart, drafted No. 17 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in April, still has not signed his rookie deal after weeks of negotiations over contract language. The standoff escalated when he skipped the final day of mandatory minicamp in June and returned to College Station to train, fueling rumors that a historic college comeback might be in play. What would have to happen for Stewart to suit up for the Aggies in 2025? Because he hired an agent before the draft, NCAA bylaws say his collegiate eligibility is technically exhausted. However, NIL precedent—and a possible legal challenge—could create a loophole. According to CBS Sports’ Bud Elliott on the Cover 3 Podcast, one source believes Stewart’s camp is “exploring every avenue,” including petitioning the NCAA for reinstatement and leveraging NIL guarantees that could rival his rookie scale salary. Why the impasse matters • Bengals’ depth chart: Cincinnati expected Stewart to rotate with Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson this season. A prolonged holdout would leave a pass-rush void and complicate defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s plans. • Precedent-setting showdown: Rookie holdouts are rare in the current CBA; Stewart could become the first first-rounder since Joey Bosa (2016) to miss training camp entirely over contract structure. • Recruiting ripple: Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko has already landed four portal edge rushers, but even the hint of Stewart’s return has energized Aggie boosters and 2026 recruits who grew up watching his highlight reels. Key timetable • Late July: Bengals report to training camp. Stewart faces $40,000 per-day fines if absent. • Aug. 10: NCAA fall-eligibility certification deadline; any successful waiver must be approved before this date. • Week 1 (Sept. 7): Bengals at Patriots—Cincinnati’s front office wants Stewart signed long before the opener to avoid a media circus. What’s holding up the contract? League sources indicate the dispute centers on “offset” language that could allow the Bengals to recoup guaranteed money if Stewart is released and signs elsewhere, plus an unusually broad team-controlled marketing clause. Stewart’s agent reportedly seeks fully guaranteed money through Year 4, mirroring recent deals struck by picks in the teens. Can Texas A&M actually afford him? Thanks to the 2021 NIL reforms, boosters can legally fund seven-figure collectives. Industry insiders estimate a one-year NIL package for Stewart would need to approach $6–8 million to match his projected rookie cash flow. While steep, the Aggie Network’s history of splashy deals means it can’t be ruled out. Bottom line Until ink hits paper, Stewart’s next snap remains a mystery. If he rejoins Texas A&M, he’ll trigger one of the wildest eligibility loopholes in college-football history; if he caves to Bengals brass, he’ll slot into a defense built to win now. Either outcome keeps “Shemar Stewart contract holdout” atop fan search bars—and ensures this story stays at the forefront of both NFL and SEC headlines.