Shemar Stewart made his 2026 debut for Cincinnati against Houston and recorded a sack after being injured for most of training camp. The report describes him as returning with renewed confidence and excitement about joining a defense bolstered by veteran additions.
Stewart’s contract negotiations dragged on: Cincinnati wanted to add a clause absent from its previous rookie contracts, while Stewart’s side sought extra compensation; the sides eventually agreed. The article also lists the Trey Hendrickson saga and linebacker Logan Wilson’s reaction to being benched among the other issues around the defense.
