Shemar Stewart, the Bengals’ 2025 first-round pick, is currently caught in a contract dispute with the team, putting his NFL future in limbo. While this is an unusual situation, there is a possibility that Stewart could be drafted in consecutive years if the contract issues persist.
He has been practicing independently at Texas A&M, where he previously played college football, keeping his skills sharp in the event of a prolonged holdout or contract impasse. If no agreement is reached with the Bengals, this scenario could open the door for Stewart to return to the draft in 2026.
Reminder:
Shemar Stewart just wants a contract that Amarius Mims (and every other 1st rounder) got where there’s no “default clause” that can void his future guaranteed money.
He just wants what is normal for a rookie deal. pic.twitter.com/XkdNpYKB8b
— SleeperBengals (@SleeperBengals) June 10, 2025
How Shemar Stewart Could Get Drafted Twice
If Stewart and the Bengals don’t reach an agreement on his rookie contract by Week 10 of the 2025 season, he could opt to re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft. The NFL has strict rules for unsigned rookies, but in this case, it’s important to note that a player can re-enter the draft after sitting out an entire season, which is precisely what Stewart would be forced to do if no deal is struck.
– The Bengals’ Position: The Bengals are unlikely to trade Stewart, given his high draft position and future potential. However, a trade could still happen if the situation continues to deteriorate or if Stewart demands it. While it’s rare for teams to trade away first-round picks in the same year, an unresolved contract dispute could make it a possibility, especially if the Bengals feel the situation is untenable.
– The Re-Entry Scenario: Should the Bengals fail to sign Stewart by the 2025 season’s Week 10, he’d have no choice but to sit out the year. Although sitting out isn’t ideal for a player’s development, it could be a strategic move for Stewart to re-enter the draft in 2026. NFL players are eligible for the draft if they meet the required age and eligibility criteria, and Stewart, despite not signing, could technically enter the draft pool again.
Could Shemar Stewart Return to College Football?
While re-entering the draft would be the most direct route, could Stewart return to college football in the meantime? NCAA rules prevent players who have declared for the NFL Draft from playing college sports unless they retract their draft declaration and are not yet represented by an agent. This is an uphill battle for Stewart, but not entirely impossible.
– Legal Avenues: If Stewart decides he wants to play college football again, he could pursue legal challenges or file for exceptions to the rule. However, this would involve navigating complex NCAA regulations and likely require a court ruling. Even then, the Bengals would retain Stewart’s rights, and he could risk losing eligibility in both college and NFL settings.
– What It Would Mean: For Stewart, going back to college could help him stay in top form during the 2025 season, but it would come at a significant cost. Not only would he have to forfeit any potential NFL earnings for a year, but he’d also have to weigh the risks of injury or diminished draft stock during his return to college.
Why It’s Unlikely, But Not Impossible
As it stands, the chances of Stewart being drafted two years in a row remain slim. He’s a highly touted talent, and teams would likely prefer to have him on their roster as soon as possible. However, should the Bengals fail to reach a resolution, Stewart’s future could involve navigating these uncharted waters, whether that means re-entering the draft or potentially finding another way to fulfill his NFL dreams.
While the odds are stacked against him, Shemar Stewart’s situation is far from conventional. The possibility of being drafted twice if the Bengals don’t sign him, it could become Stewart’s reality. It’s a high-risk strategy, but for a player with the potential to be a future star in the league, it may just be worth the gamble.
