At the Cincinnati Bengals‘ training camp, star receiver Ja’Marr Chase has commented on the rookie Shemar Stewart, who recently ended his holdout and signed his contract. Chase observed that Stewart has maintained a low profile so far, choosing to quietly absorb the experience rather than engage in the usual locker-room banter or trash talk.
When asked if Stewart had started talking trash to teammates, Chase replied firmly that the rookie remains silent.
“No, not yet. Shemar Stewart don’t really say nothing at all,” Chase said.
Despite Stewart’s silence, Chase views this as a positive sign, indicating that Stewart is focused on learning and developing as a player during his first days with the Bengals.
Chase Highlights Stewart’s Work Ethic and Growing Impact on the Team
Chase described Stewart as someone who is patiently learning the ropes but not going unnoticed. He explained that when Stewart first arrived, he made a point of encouraging the rookie to work hard and stay ahead through additional workouts and extra effort.
“So far, he’s really just been quiet, man. Sitting back, learning. I know when he first got here, I was standing in his ear, making sure he was always working out or just doing some odd things to put him out in front,” Chase said.
Chase believes Stewart has the potential to become a long-term impact player in the NFL and praised the rookie’s ability to make plays and create noise on the field.
“But man, he makes plays, you know, when he makes plays, he makes noise too, so he’s going without being noticed. I think everyone sees what he’s doing. He’s only going to get better from here.”
Selected 17th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Stewart played three seasons at Texas A&M, recording 31 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his final season, with a total of 4.5 sacks over his college career.
Shemar Stewart Addresses Contract Dispute and Expresses Optimism for Future
Stewart was the last first-round draft pick to sign with the Bengals due to a contract disagreement, but he insists there is no lingering bitterness between him and the team. He acknowledged that contract negotiations can be tough but emphasized that his focus is on moving forward as a Bengal.
“There was never me vs. anybody,” Stewart said via WCPO. “We just didn’t see eye to eye at [that] point. At the end of the day, I’m happy to be a Bengal. I’m happy that I got drafted here. We have a long relationship ahead of us. There’s no bad blood. It’s just how things go sometimes.”
As the Bengals prepare for their 2025 NFL season opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 7, Stewart is expected to play a vital role in the team’s defense this year.
What Stewart’s Development Could Mean for the Bengals Moving Forward
Stewart’s quiet but focused approach during camp, as described by Chase, suggests he is gearing up to make a notable impact. The rookie’s commitment to learning and steady progression will be critical for the Bengals as they aim to strengthen their defense. With the season approaching, the team‘s attention on developing young talent like Stewart underscores their hope for sustained success.