Stewart agreed to sign the four-year, $18.97 million deal after Cincinnati changed the language a controversial clause.

He consistently disrupted opposing quarterbacks, tallying 65 pressures over the past two seasons, tied for eighth in the SEC. At 21 years old, Stewart's blend of size, athleticism and raw tools gives the Bengals a promising developmental pass rusher.

Shemar Stewart is the last unsigned first-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, but his holdout is not unprecedented.