Weekend Wrap

Here’s your Weekend Wrap, sponsored by Crystal Creek Partners:

Stewart finally signs with Cincinnati

Former Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart spent more time around the Aggie program than he expected to this summer, as he and the Cincinnati Bengals were engaged in a standoff over wording in his rookie contract. Stewart, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was a holdout after the Bengals attempted to add a clause that would void his guaranteed money if he engaged in “detrimental” conduct. That was terminology used by no other NFL team.

Eventually, the Bengals blinked and Stewart signed a four-year, $18.97 million contract that is fully guaranteed Friday. He also receives a $10.4 million signing bonus.

While the clause is still in Stewart’s contract, the two sides were able to come to a middle ground over the wording that was acceptable to both parties. Cincinnati needed a quick conclusion to Stewart’s holdout as they have another issue to deal with — fellow defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks last year with 17.5, is also a holdout.

Stewart was the last first round pick to sign.

Two Aggie commits shut things down

While Stewart has made his way to the pros, two members of the recruiting class of 2026 have decided they’re sticking with their commitments to Texas A&M no matter who calls. Carthage 4-star linebacker DaQuives Beck announced Friday night on social media that he was shutting down his recruitment, while 4-star cornerback Victor Singleton of Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic said the same thing Sunday evening.

Beck had been hotly pursued by Texas and Notre Dame before committing to the Aggies, while in-state Ohio State and Illinois — who had Singleton’s commitment before he flipped on April 19 — have been after Singleton.

LaViolette gets his payday

It was a good weekend for Texas A&M athletic standouts when it comes to signing contracts. Former Aggie outfielder Jace LaViolette, the 27th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, signed his rookie contract with the Cleveland Guardians Saturday.

Even though LaViolette slid considerably in comparison to where he was expected to be drafted before the season began, the Guardians made the wait worthwhile. LaViolette received a $4 million signing bonus, well over the slot value of $3.38 million. It was the largest over-slot signing bonus in this year’s first round.

Montgomery one step closer to the majors

While LaViolette’s professional career is just getting started, the man who hit behind him last year is already on a rapid ascent to the big leagues. Former Texas A&M outfielder Braden Montgomery was promoted by the Chicago White Sox to AA Birmingham Sunday afternoon after a little over two months at high-A Winston-Salem. In 254 at-bats at Winston-Salem, Montgomery hit .260 with 17 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs and 38 RBI. He was also a participant in the MLB Futures Game over All-Star Weekend in Atlanta.

Our sponsor

Owned by two Texas Aggie lettermen, Crystal Creek Partners specializes in commercial and residential real estate properties in the College Station area. Their properties are all custom newer construction in prime locations, including homes in The Estates of College Station and Commercial Spaces in South College Station’s Tower Point and Tower Center. If you’re looking for a single-family home for 4 students or flexible space for your growing business, reach out to Crystal Creek Partners to learn more.Crystal Creek Partners is looking to expand their property portfolio in the College Station area to include additional student rentals and VRBO properties. If you are interested in selling a property, we’d love to talk .

Doug Brown, an owner in Crystal Creek Partners, is also an acclaimed real estate agent with Compass Realty specializing in The Woodlands, Tomball, Magnolia, and Montgomery markets. He is also well versed in the Bryan/College Station market if you are looking to find the perfect game day second home or investment property.For more information, Email [email protected]

You can also check out their newest vacation property in College Station here.