"Trade him": NFL fans react to Shemar Stewart's viral workout video amid holdout of Bengals minicamp 

Shemar Stewart spent his college career with the Texas A&M Aggies. After three seasons, he declared for the 2025 NFL draft where the Cincinnati Bengals selected the defensive end in the first round with the No. 17 pick.

However, the rookie is in the middle of a contract dispute with the franchise and is one of the first-rounders yet to finalize a deal following the draft.

Despite this, Stewart is busy putting in the work to develop himself in the offseason. NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared a clip of the defensive end sweating it out during a cardio session.

In the video shared on X/Titter, Stewart can be seen working on his cardio during a training session in the weight room. The rookie is accompanied by a trainer who is making the video and motivating him from the sidelines.

#Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart is getting major work in away from the facility while he still waits for his rookie contract to get done," Schultz wrote in the caption of the post on X.

NFL fans commented their thoughts and reactions to Stewart's viral workout clip as well:

"Trade him @NFL," one fan commented.

"Bro is trying to break the machine," another fan said.

"A little faster and he can catch a QB!" a fan added.

"At least he's locked in little," another fan wrote.

"Dispute with the team but still repping their brand. Gotta be a decent sign at least," one fan said.

"Man is sending a message you love to see it," a fan commented.

Shemar Stewart refuses to sign his rookie contract because of a dispute in the language used in the deal. There is a 'default trigger' clause in his contract that nullifies any guaranteed money in the future if he defaults during his stint with the Bengals.

This is different than the terms and conditions the Bengals gave their previous first-rounders. Thus, Stewart requested a contract in a similar language without the addition of the 'default clause' trigger. Despite being present during the offseason, the rookie did not participate in any on-field drills.

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Shemar Stewart opens up about longevity of stalemate in contract dispute

ESPN's Ben Baby recently questioned the Bengals' rookie about the ongoing contract dispute. On how long the standoff would last, the ex-Texas A&M star said that it depends on the situation.

"How far will I take it? Just depends," Stewart said. "In my case, I'm 100% right. I'm not asking for nothing that's never been done before. In (the team's case), y'all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games, in my opinion."

Shemar Stewart passed on the Bengals' mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. The rookie defensive end also missed out on Wednesday's practice sessions. It will be interesting to see how the Bengals decide to handle this contract crisis with their 2025 first-round pick.