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Bengals’ 1st-round pick explains his controversial decision

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated May 11, 2025 9:47 AM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals have not had a chance to see their first-round draft pick in action yet at rookie minicamp, and the star pass-rusher says he is hoping that changes in the near future.

Former Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart was seen watching from the sidelines on Friday as his fellow rookies took part in the Bengals’ rookie minicamp. Stewart, the No. 17 overall pick, has not yet signed his rookie deal. Though unsigned rookies have the Rookie Participation Agreement (RPA) to protect them in the event of injury, Stewart has still chosen not to take part in drills.

Stewart chose not to go into much detail when asked what the issue is with his contract.

“I just decided not to sign those papers. … I would love being part of the team,” Stewart told reporters on Friday. “I hate being on the sidelines just looking at everybody else do work.

“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

Rookie contracts in the NFL are pre-negotiated in the collective bargaining agreement between players and team owners. The only variables are certain aspects of the guaranteed money structure and offset language pertaining to how bonuses would be paid out if a player were to be released or suffer an injury.

Both Stewart and Bengals second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. have yet to sign their rookie contracts. They have been taking part in meetings while sitting out of on-field work.

The Bengals have been in a contract dispute with one of their best defensive players, so they may need Stewart to play a big role in his first NFL season. The former Aggies star will have to put pen to paper first.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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