Would Allow Him To Walk Away' - Former Cincinnati Bengals Player Solomon Wilcots Discusses Shemar Stewart's Options

The nuclear option would be for Stewart to sit out the entire season and re-enter the draft. While the NIL era will reduce the urgency of many incoming NFL players to get paid, it’s a lot of money to give up. Among other things, Stewart is missing out on a slotted signing bonus in excess of $10 million.

The absolute worst-case scenario (which won't happen) between the Bengals and Shemar Stewart involves the 2026 draft.