Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bengals Finally Sign No. 17 Overall Pick Shemar Stewart

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Justin Rimpi | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 7:00 PM ET

After a standoff that lasted months, the Cincinnati Bengals signed No. 17 overall pick Shemar Stewart on Friday night. He signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $18.97 million contract. There was some discrepancy regarding contract language. The Bengals added the language they were seeking, and Stewart received his money up front. It was a win-win. How will he help the Bengals in 2025?

How Will Stewart Impact the Cincinnati Bengals?

The #Bengals and No. 17 overall pick Shemar Stewart have agreed to terms on his fully guaranteed four-year contract, per his agency LAA.

After a lengthy standoff over contract language, Stewart got improved payout language can now get on the field. pic.twitter.com/N0jB4Fy9Cn

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 25, 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals needed a massive overhaul on defense. The unit was one of the worst units in the league in 2024. Hopefully, Stewart can help the defense find its form. Cincinnati looked to the college ranks to find its next defensive coordinator. They hired Al Golden away from Notre Dame this offseason. Only time will tell if he can have success on the NFL level.

Final Thoughts

With Stewart’s contract handled, the Cincinnati Bengals must figure out the Trey Hendrickson situation. He and the team are reportedly not close to agreeing on a deal. He has said on many occasions that he would not take the field in 2025 until he signs a new contract. The star defensive player headed to Florida once training camp began. The Cincinnati Bengals are not out of the woods yet regarding their contracts.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: