Every NFL rookie faces a learning curve, but for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Shemar Stewart, the 2025 season was a steep climb. A knee injury limited him to just eight games, and the former first-round pick finished with only one sack. According to his position coach, Jerry Montgomery, the key issue was simple: Stewart just wasn't ready.

"Shemar missed six months of football," Montgomery explained on the Bengals Booth podcast. "There were times he wasn't ready to be out there as a guy that just missed so much football." For a player whose raw athleticism made him a top prospect out of Texas A&M, it was a frustrating introduction to the league.

Now, the narrative is poised to change. With a full, healthy offseason of training and development, Montgomery is forecasting a major leap. "I look for him to have a big year, and I'm excited about his future," the coach stated, highlighting Stewart's dedicated offseason work.

For the Bengals' defense, a breakout from Stewart would be a game-changer. His combination of size and speed is the prototype for a modern pass rusher. While his rookie year was a setback, the stage is now set for Shemar Stewart to prove he belongs and become the disruptive force Cincinnati drafted him to be.