Off the field, Stewart’s start was unsettled by a contract dispute that delayed his arrival and limited his participation in the offseason program. Once on the field, he appeared in eight games, recording 1.0 sack and 2 tackles for loss while playing about half of Cincinnati’s defensive snaps.
The Bengals entered the season needing Stewart to emerge as a reliable pass rusher, especially with Trey Hendrickson departing in free agency. Instead, Stewart’s limited production amid his uneven acclimation helped keep the edge rushing duties from stabilizing as hoped.
Defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery attributed much of Stewart’s rough rookie year to the timing of his absence, noting he missed six months of football due to injury and the contract situation. He suggested that being healthy and fully prepared should help Stewart transition into a year-two role.
Montgomery remained cautiously optimistic about Stewart’s future, stressing that a full offseason and improved health could unlock his development. If Stewart regains his form, he could become a more impactful member of Cincinnati’s defensive front.
The Bengals, for their part, still face questions at the edge rusher position. Stewart’s uneven rookie year reinforces the need for ready-made production at that spot, whether through continued development for the former first-round pick or additional help in the upcoming draft.
