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NFL First-Round Pick Refusing To Practice At Rookie Minicamp

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 9, 2025 5:18 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals kicked off rookie minicamp this Friday without their first-round pick from this year's draft.

With the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bengals selected Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart. He finished his college career with 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The hope is that he'll form a lethal pass-rushing duo with Trey Hendrickson.

Stewart will have plenty of opportunities to prove he can be a difference-maker for the Bengals. First things first though, he'll have to sign his rookie contract.

The Bengals didn't have Stewart at their disposal for their first day of rookie minicamp because his contract hasn't been signed. He spoke to the media Friday about his decision.

"I just decided not to sign those papers," Stewart told reporters.

Stewart was asked if he'll have his rookie contract signed by Monday. He wasn't ready to make any promises.

"I would hope so. I would love to be part of the team. I hate being on the sideline looking at everybody else do work, especially on the first day. It was kind of tough on me."

Stewart confirmed that he's still participating in team meetings. He's just not doing anything physical activities for the Bengals.

"I did some Pilates, that sucked," Stewart said, via Cincinnati Bengals on SI. "But other than that, I've just been working on becoming a better person, better player for my team. So when I get here, we can hit the ground running."

OTAs for the Bengals will begin on May 27. The front office would love to get Stewart's deal done before then.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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