Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the helmet of Cincinnati Bengals long snapper Cal Adomitis (48) during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Bengals Rookie Projected to Bust During 2025 Season

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 7:08 AM ET

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox rolled out his top bust picks for each NFL team this coming season, and rookie Shemar Stewart was his choice for Cincinnati.

Stewart has yet to practice with the team as he attempts to negotiate a contract language issue.

"Stewart would probably need a strong offseason to be an immediate contributor for Cincinnati," Knox wrote. "Unfortunately, the Bengals' stunning inability to sign their first-round pick to a slotted contract—Cincy wants language that would allow it to void future guarantees—has already caused him to miss time."

The Texas A&M product was labeled a raw player coming out of college and has done little on an NFL practice field to refine those skills and prepare for NFL speed.

He has been in meetings and stayed engaged through what must be a frustrating way to start an NFL career. Time will tell if Cincinnati can get Stewart signed and on the field before missing the start of training camp on Wednesday.