There is already no doubt that the Pittsburgh Steelers benefited from the trade that resulted in acquiring DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 second-round selection. The first important component of the deal is that the organization received an established, top-notch wide receiver. The franchise also avoided contractual disasters that have been relevant throughout the league when it comes to players selected in round two of the 2025 NFL Draft. Guaranteed money is critical at the professional level because of the injuries that arise, but other intricacies can affect a front office's mindset when it comes to a rookie contract.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf runs on the field at the UPMC Sports Complex as the team practices during 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
There is no doubt that the 2025 NFL Draft class has been in the headlines recently, but it mainly has been because of the second-rounders and their camps seeking guaranteed cash. There has been another situation, however, that has been causing a headache for an AFC North team, specifically when it comes to a first-round pick. Shemar Stewart was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 17th overall selection, but he has yet to put pen to paper.
The Steelers play in a very competitive division, and when another organization's first-round pick decides to hold out due to a contract dispute, it is worth noting. Stewart has the potential to be a game-wrecker at the professional level, but no one is truly sure where things stands with the defender and the Bengals.
Recently, Stewart was found working out with his collegiate team (Texas A&M), but no signs point to him returning to college, according to his former coach, Mike Elko, via ESPN.
"There [are] no intentions of Shemar to play for the Aggies this year," Elko said. "But Shemar has been around. He's very comfortable in our program. Really likes what we do training wise. He's been training, getting ready for his season this year with the Bengals. We wish him the best."
The drama will continue for the Bengals. Elko was very specific with his words, but overall, he mentioned that there are no intentions of Stewart pursing college football again. Regardless of what the rules say to the possibility of that happening, it's evident that Cincinnati's brass may not truly feel as if the defender is worth the headache at this point. For the Steelers, it's a positive for any team within the division that makes this kind of mistake, resulting in this kind of headache.
Stability is very important in the NFL, and while the Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have proven that it's possible to accomplish that throughout the 21st century, both the Bengals and Cleveland Browns have yet to prove that their respective franchises can consistently make the right decisions.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) and Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh talk during warmups before the game at Heinz Field on September 30, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Steelers have been very successful when it comes to drafting edge rushers and defensive ends, which makes the Bengals' current situation all the more interesting. First-round picks are normally entitled to guaranteed money, but there is allegedly an option to void that cash in the rookie deal for Stewart. Both camps are in a complete standstill, and it seems as if the sides are being stubborn when it comes to the talented rookie's deal.
The Bengals have been a tad absent in the AFC North since the 2023 season began, as two straight 9-8 seasons may have NFL fans forgetting that Joe Burrow is still the team's quarterback. Unfortunately, defense is important too, and it appears as if the franchise is getting off on the wrong foot with its 2025 first-round draft pick.
AP Photo / Julio Cortez
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow talks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.
Steelers Have Removed Contract Drama From 2025 Equation
Pittsburgh finally agreed to compensate TJ Watt with a lucrative extension on Thursday. While the Bengals struggle to convince a rookie that he should be inside their building, every other AFC North team has to be having a little bit of a laugh regarding the situation. Overall, Cincinnati has to be looked at as the losers of the offseason within the division if Stewart refuses to sign.
Do you think that the Steelers will benefit from Stewart being stubborn about his rookie contract with the Bengals? Let us know in the comments below!
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