Shemar Stewart had a disappointing rookie season with only one sack and 13 pressures, finishing last at his position. After struggling with injuries, Bengals DL coach believes he is now ready for a stronger performance this year.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 28: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart (97) lines up for a play during the second half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
There’s no running from the fact that Shemar Stewart’s rookie season was a disappointment, even considering the fact that he was viewed as a project coming out of Texas A&M.
In addition to notching only one sack and 13 pressures, the edge rusher finished dead last at his position according to Pro Football Focus.
Plus, he only played in eight games on account of a knee injury that found him on injured reserve in the middle of the season.
Recently, Stewart’s position coach, David Montgomery, made the case on the Bengals Booth podcast (around the 24-minute mark) that last year’s first round pick will look a lot different with more time under his belt.
“Shemar missed six months of football,” Montgomery began. “He was injured. He missed most of the season. I would say there were times he wasn’t ready to be out there as a guy that just missed so much football.”
Montgomery then shifted to the future, saying, “I think with some development and a full offseason…he’s healthy, he’s doing a great job in his offseason training right now, I look for him to have a big year, and I’m excited about his future.”
In Montgomery’s defense, the argument is pretty solid; with more time, someone with Stewart’s tremendous athletic profile can grow tremendously. The question is if it’ll be enough for him to be the kind of impact player that the Bengals need on defense right now.
Shemar Stewart recorded only one sack and 13 pressures during his rookie season.
Shemar Stewart was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury that limited him to eight games.
The Bengals DL coach stated that Shemar Stewart is now poised for a big year, indicating he is ready to perform better than last season.
A look at every first-round pick by Packers GM Brian Gutekunst since 2018.
Alex Ovechkin hints he may not have played his last game with the Capitals
Texas Longhorns welcome top-10 prospects Monshun Sales and John Meredith III this Thursday.
