Shemar Stewart Eyes Redemption and Breakout Potential in Bengals’ Defensive Line Evolution

Bengals coach Zac Taylor emphasized earlier this offseason that Shemar Stewart’s development is a “priority” for the team.

Drafted in the first round in 2024, Stewart’s rookie season was disrupted by a contract dispute and multiple injuries, including a lingering ankle issue early in the season and a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Week 9. He appeared in eight games, recording six tackles and a sack.

“Last year I would go out there, and I’m saying, ‘I somewhat know what I need to do, but I’m not 100 percent sure,'” Stewart said this week, via Jay Morrison of SI.com. “And then I go out there and I overthink. Then I don’t make a play. Then it’s just a whole lot of things because I’m just too up in here.”

Stewart has developed a strong bond with defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery, crediting him for persistent mentorship despite early performance struggles. “I think I got my first ‘good job’ from Jerry,” Stewart said. “That’s my guy. He never gave up on me. Always held me close even though when I wasn’t performing good, he always stood by me.”

While Stewart may not project as a starter with free-agent signee Boye Mafe and Myles Murphy expected to hold those roles, the Bengals still maintain significant expectations for his growth. “I’ve still got a lot of work to do, but I’m so excited to play with these guys,” Stewart said. “We got two monsters added to the room, so I can’t wait to see how this year turns out.”

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