If Shemar Stewart, Bengals can't make a deal - what's next?

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Cincinnati and the Texas A&M defensive end haven't been able to agree on a rookie contract -- and there's a chance the ongoing dispute could eventually lead to Stewart re-entering the draft next year.

Did you know that Shamar Stewart, the Bengals' first round pick from this past draft, could potentially be redrafted next year?

Shamar Stewart and the Bengals aren't exactly seeing eye to eye when it comes to his rookie contract.

Allegedly there's some friction over the language regarding the voiding of guarantees in future years, but Shamar has some options.

He can refuse to sign and request a trade.

The window to trade him ends 30 days before the first game of the season.

which is August 5th.

He can also sign with the team anytime up until the Tuesday after week 10.

If he signs after that date, he will not be able to play in the 2025 season.

He can also refuse to sign until the 2026 draft begins.

He would then reenter the draft pool and could be drafted by any team except the Bengals.

He could return to college for the upcoming season.

However, this could lead to legal Battles with the NCAA.

If he does return, he'd be treated as a draft pick of the Bengals in 2026, meaning he wouldn't be eligible to re-enter the draft next year.

And lastly, play in another professional football league like the CFL or UFL.

The Bengals will still hold his rights for three years after the 2025 draft.

There are many options.

Guess we'll just have to see which one Shamar chooses.