This free-agent signing by the Bengals is taking younger teammates under his wing while trying to lead the turnaround.

Stewart has several options and he could quickly turn into the Bengals' (and NFL's) worst nightmare if he decides to go with a nuclear option of re-entering the draft next year, a process that is outlined in article 6 of the CBA .

The Bengals are playing games with their first-round pick Shemar Stewart so analysts are projecting trades for him and one included the Bucs.

In a 2024 NFL re-draft from Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, though, the Bengals instead pick Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins:

Twenty-nine of the 32 players picked in the first round 2025 NFL draft have signed their rookie contracts. The three exceptions are Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (pick No. 2), Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (pick No. 17) and Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron (pick No. 20).

The Cincinnati Bengals remain in a contract impasse with their top defender, Trey Hendrickson. NFL sources open up on his market value