Cincinnati Bengals First-Round Pick May Return to College Amid Contract Dispute

Shemar Stewart, the Cincinnati Bengals' 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, remains unsigned and is in a contract dispute with the team, which is unusual as the Bengals are trying to include language allowing them to void guaranteed money over potential misbehavior. Stewart has been working out at Texas A&M, his college, fueling speculation that he might attempt a return to college football despite NCAA rules generally preventing drafted players from regaining eligibility, especially since he has not signed a contract or taken a paycheck, raising legal questions about his options under NIL and federal antitrust laws. If Stewart sits out the 2025 NFL season, he could re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft, with the Bengals retaining his rights if he returns to college, though some sources clarify he is training alone rather than practicing with the team. This situation has added to the Bengals' difficult offseason, which also includes contract tensions with star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. While there are mixed reports about the feasibility of Stewart's college return, the ongoing stalemate highlights the evolving challenges in player contracts and NCAA eligibility in the modern era. Bengals beat reporters emphasize that Stewart's workouts at Texas A&M are common offseason training rather than an official team practice, and the dispute resolution deadline is approaching.