The first and second-round selections are still working out contract details.
Football is officially back as the Cincinnati Bengals rookie minicamp kicked off this week with all the new faces looking to help get the franchise back to contention.
Despite rookie camp starting, the Bengals’ first and second-round selections did not participate but were present.
Both Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight Jr. were at Paycor Stadium but not going through the drills with the rest of the rookies.
This is nothing to be alarmed about and in fact tends to be a normal thing as both draft picks are finishing up their first NFL contract structures.
The Bengals have already signed four of their six rookies selected in this draft with Dylan Fairchild, Barrett Carter, Jalen Rivers and Tahj Brooks, and made a splash in the undrafted rookie pool as well.
There is still plenty of time to finalize their contracts before the full offseason program kicks off.
There is no reason to panic in this situation, but it can sometimes take time to iron out all the details surrounding the early-round guys!
“I just decided not to sign those papers … I hate being on the sideline looking at everybody else do work.”
Bengals 1st round pick Shemar Stewart said he hopes to have his contract signed by next week.
He did not participate in rookie minicamp today, but was present.#Bengals… pic.twitter.com/8HWqmL3ROV
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) May 9, 2025
I asked Demetrius Knight, Jr. if he’s close to signing his contract with the Bengals.
“Yessir … Very close.”#Bengals @WCPO https://t.co/RC7JBNeUqz pic.twitter.com/jRvECnLmHd
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) May 9, 2025
