Shemar Stewart’s holdout isn’t just about money. It’s about a rookie defensive end who won’t budge while his teammates prepare for the 2025 season without him. The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in an awkward position, publicly pleading for their first-round pick to show up while negotiations drag on behind closed doors.
Why Is Duke Tobin Speaking Out About Shemar Stewart’s Absence?
The tension between Cincinnati and Stewart reached a new level on Monday when the director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, didn’t hold back his frustration. Stewart remains the only first-round choice from this year’s draft without an NFL contract, and his absence from rookie training camp over the weekend clearly struck a nerve with the organization.
Tobin made his position crystal clear during Monday’s media session. The team wants its newest defensive weapon in the building as preparations ramp up for the upcoming campaign.
“I hope Shemar comes in,” Tobin said. “He needs to be here.”
However, Tobin’s comments went beyond simple frustration. In a post on X, ESPN’s Ben Baby reported that Tobin believes Stewart “can be part of a championship team.”
The front office executive also defended the organization’s approach to the negotiations while questioning Stewart’s representation.
“I don’t blame Shemar,” Tobin added. “He’s listening to the advice he’s paying for. I don’t understand the advice. … We’re treating him fairly.”
Stewart clearly doesn’t see it that way. The defensive end continues his holdout, apparently waiting for Cincinnati to meet his contract demands.
What Makes Stewart Worth the Fight?
Stewart, selected with the No. 17 overall pick in the spring, brings the kind of raw talent that caught Cincinnati’s attention during the draft process. The young defender possesses intangibles that clearly resonated with Tobin and the rest of the front office.
NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein captured Stewart’s appeal in his evaluation, describing him as being “carved from granite, possessing a rare blend of traits, explosiveness and untapped upside.” Stewart’s ability to explode off the snap creates matchup problems for opposing guards, making him difficult to contain at the line of scrimmage.
His college production at Texas A&M in 2024 provided a solid foundation for his draft stock. Stewart tallied 31 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups during the season. His performance earned him third-team All-SEC recognition.
Despite circulating rumors, Stewart has no intention of returning to college football to play for Mike Elko’s Aggies. The Bengals maintain Stewart’s NFL rights through next year’s draft, according to the current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL Players Association and the NFL.
Should Stewart attempt a return to College Station, he would likely need to pursue legal action against the NCAA to regain his final year of eligibility. The clock continues ticking as Cincinnati’s veterans arrive at training camp on Tuesday, with the team’s first practice scheduled for Wednesday.
