Cincinnati Bengals First-Round Pick Shemar Stewart Stuns NFL by Leaving Team and Rejoining Texas A&M Aggies for 2025 Season

In one of the most stunning developments of the 2025 NFL offseason, Cincinnati Bengals first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart has reportedly walked away from the team just weeks after signing his rookie contract. Multiple credible sources confirmed on Monday that Stewart has returned to College Station and rejoined the Texas A&M Aggies, where he was a standout defensive lineman for three years prior to entering the draft.

The decision has sent shockwaves through both the NFL and college football worlds, as Stewart becomes one of the rare first-round selections in modern NFL history to abandon a professional career after being drafted. What makes the situation even more unprecedented is the timing—training camps are opening across the NFL, and Stewart was expected to compete for a starting spot on a Cincinnati defensive line that badly needed his athleticism and explosiveness off the edge.

Stewart’s return to Texas A&M was confirmed by team officials at the university, who said he re-enrolled for the fall semester and has resumed participation in offseason workouts under new head coach Mike Elko. His return bolsters an Aggies team expected to compete for the SEC West crown and a potential College Football Playoff berth.

Shemar Stewart was selected by the Bengals with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout junior season at Texas A&M. At 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, Stewart was widely regarded as one of the most physically gifted defensive ends in the draft class. A five-star recruit out of Monsignor Pace High School in Miami, Florida, Stewart delivered on the high expectations during his time in College Station, especially in 2024 when he racked up 10.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and was named First-Team All-SEC.

The Bengals drafted Stewart to be a foundational player on their defensive line alongside veterans like Trey Hendrickson and B.J. Hill. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo praised Stewart’s maturity and work ethic during the team’s rookie minicamp in May. He reportedly signed a fully guaranteed four-year rookie deal worth approximately $14.6 million just days after the draft, a standard contract for a player taken in the bottom third of the first round.

But behind the scenes, all was not well. According to sources close to the Bengals, Stewart began to express doubts about his readiness for the NFL grind shortly after arriving in Cincinnati. Those concerns reportedly intensified during organized team activities in June, when Stewart struggled to adjust to the playbook, the tempo, and the mental demands of the pro game. While his physical tools were never in question, Stewart reportedly had several meetings with team counselors and coaches about feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about his future.

One Bengals executive, who requested anonymity, said the team initially believed Stewart was just experiencing a normal transition phase. “A lot of guys hit a wall early,” the executive said. “You expect some hiccups—new city, new expectations, new system. But with Shemar, it became clear over time that this was something deeper.”

According to a source within Stewart’s camp, the 21-year-old began seriously considering a return to college football in early July. He reportedly sought advice from family, former A&M teammates, and even current NFL players before making his final decision. That decision came late last week, when Stewart informed Bengals officials that he would not report to training camp and instead planned to return to Texas A&M for what would technically be his senior season.

“He just felt like he wasn’t done,” the source said. “He felt like he had more to give to the school, to his teammates, and he wanted another year to grow—on and off the field.”

The news caught Bengals leadership off guard. According to team insiders, Stewart’s agent attempted to negotiate an agreement that would allow him to keep a portion of his signing bonus, but as of now, the Bengals are expected to recoup the entire amount—roughly $7.6 million in guaranteed money. Stewart will be placed on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, and the team is now reassessing its options along the defensive front.

Zac Taylor briefly addressed the situation in a statement released Monday afternoon. “We’re surprised by Shemar’s decision, but we respect it,” Taylor said. “We drafted him because we believed in his talent and character, and that hasn’t changed. We wish him well and hope he finds what he’s looking for.”

Reaction around the NFL has been mixed. Some analysts have applauded Stewart for being honest about his feelings and prioritizing mental well-being over expectations. Others, however, have criticized the decision as a sign of immaturity and poor judgment, especially given the professional opportunities at stake.

Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum, speaking on ESPN’s “NFL Live,” said, “This is a young man who clearly needed more time, and that’s okay. But from a franchise perspective, this is a major hit. Cincinnati invested millions in him and lost out on a potential Day 1 starter.”

Over in College Station, however, the return of Stewart has been met with widespread excitement. Head coach Mike Elko, entering his second year back with the Aggies, now gets a proven game-changer back in the fold. “We’re thrilled to welcome Shemar back,” Elko said in a statement. “He’s a leader, a competitor, and one of the most impactful players in the country. We respect his decision and are focused on helping him make the most of this opportunity.”

With Stewart back in the mix, the Aggies boast one of the most formidable defensive fronts in college football. He’ll line up alongside returning standouts like Fadil Diggs and Walter Nolen, giving Texas A&M a legitimate shot at contending with Georgia, Alabama, and Texas for conference supremacy.

Stewart’s eligibility remains intact due to a new NCAA rule allowing players who withdraw from the NFL after declaring to return under certain conditions, including re-enrollment in school and lack of participation in regular-season games or receipt of full professional compensation. Stewart’s compliance with these rules makes him eligible for the 2025 college season, and he could re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft if he chooses.

The long-term implications for both Stewart and the Bengals are unclear. For Stewart, another season of college football could help refine his game and mental readiness. If he dominates again, he could re-enter the draft next spring as a top-15 pick. For Cincinnati, the team now faces the difficult task of addressing a glaring hole on its defensive line, possibly through free agency or trade.

This rare reversal may become a landmark case for how NFL teams handle player development and mental health going forward. Stewart’s story, while shocking, is also a reminder that the transition to the NFL is not merely physical—it’s emotional, psychological, and deeply personal. And in this case, it led a first-round pick to choose the comforts of college and a second chance over millions and immediate NFL glory.

As the college football season approaches, all eyes will be on Shemar Stewart. Can he dominate again in the SEC and restore his draft stock? Will his return inspire others to follow a similar path? One thing is certain—his story is far from over. And if this bold move pays off, it may be one of the most powerful player-driven decisions in recent football history.