The Bengals and first-round Edge Shemar Stewart finally agreed to contract terms Friday. Stewart -- the 17th pick in the draft -- will get a four-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $18.97 million in total, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Stewart's reportedly getting "a more lucrative payout structure" than guys who went 17th overall before, in return for agreeing to the team's void language should he screw up.
The Bengals selected DL Shemar Stewart in the first round of the NFL Draft. Stewart drew attention with a terrific Combine workout, led by a 95th-percentile speed score. He added a 91st-percentile 10-yard split, 96th-percentile vertical, and 98th-percentile broad jump. The problem: Stewart's college production stunk. He tallied just 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons and topped out at 6 tackles for loss in 2024. Stewart did increase his total pressures each year. His 39 pressures in 2024 tied for 47th among FBS edge players -- a solid number considering he ranked 65th in pass-rushing opportunities.
The Bengals chose Edge Myles Murphy 28th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Murphy had a strange progression through three years at Clemson. He led the team with 12.0 tackles for loss as a true freshman in 2020 and then led the Tigers again in 2021. Murphy ranked just third on the team in total pressures as a junior, though. He presents some position versatility along the line and tested well at Clemson’s pro day. Murphy sat inside the top 10 of our pre-draft IDP rookie rankings. He goes to a Cincinnati defense that doesn't have an immediate edge need. Don't be surprised if Murphy sees limited rookie-year time.
Search
