For months, the Cincinnati Bengals organization has looked like the cheapest team in the NFL. So much to the point where no rookie would actually want to sign there in the future.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement isn’t entirely clear on Stewart's contract, and that's why he's been late to step onto the field with his teammates, or future teammates if he has any. Since Stewart has been held hostage by the Bengals, Stewart has been working out in College Station, which have prompted rumors that he might pull off the unthinkable.
Bud Elliott of CBS Sports reported that Stewart is "fully involved in workouts," and it's been a dream thought of every Texas A&M fan to return to play in maroon and white. Here are three options Shemar Stewart could choose to do, including pulling off the unthinkable and return to play at Texas A&M.
1. Return to play at Texas A&M
This has been shut down by members of the media already, sure. As NBC Sports' Mike Florio points out, this isn't quite dead. While NCAA rules would prevent a return, many NCAA rules have failed under antitrust laws.
If Stewart hasn't signed a contract yet, why should he be prevented from going back to Texas A&M? Stewart has already created a rare movement in the game of football, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him actually get a win for A&M fans.
2. Sit out for 2025 and re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft
If Stewart doesn't sign a contract, and doesn't step foot on the field at all in 2025, he could re-enter the draft next year. John Breech of CBS Sports says that Stewart can sign his rookie contract until the following Tuesday of Week 10. If he doesn't sign, he won't be eligible to play in 2025, leading to him entering his name for 2026.
This wouldn't be the move that Aggie fans would want, but he was already set to make millions of dollars in his rookie contract. The Bengals are sticking with their stubbornness, leading to Stewart having to make a tough decision.
3. Demand a trade
This is probably the most unlikeliest scenario, thanks to the Bengals being stubborn with their first-round draft pick. The Bengals already want to keep Stewart out of petty power, but Stewart has already made it pretty clear that he doesn't like being bullied.
There's not really any mock trade scenario yet where Stewart would actually be traded, but this is something that no first-round draft pick should ever have to go through. Let's hope that something good comes out of Stewart's movement, but A&M fans are definitely hoping for a miracle to come out of this.