Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart reportedly misses day 1 of minicamp over contract issues

ESPN analyst Ben Baby reported on Friday that two top Cincinnati Bengals draft picks from the 2025 NFL draft were not present on the first day of the team's minicamp due to contractual issues.

Baby said defensive end Shemar Stewart and linebacker Demetrius Knight did not participate in the start of minicamp.

"Bengals DE Shemar Stewart (first round) and LB Demetrius Knight (second round) didn't participate in today's rookie minicamp because of unsigned contracts, coach Zac Taylor said. No update on DE Trey Hendrickson's contract status as well."

This has become a trend in recent seasons for the Bengals. Over the past few seasons, wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson have either missed time or voiced their displeasure with the state of their current deals.

Cincinnati Bengals 2025 Outlook

The expectation is that both Stewart and Knight will sign in the coming weeks and not be in any doubt of missing the start of the season. Stewart was selected No. 17 out of Texas A&M while Knight was picked No. 49 out of South Carolina.

The addition of both players should drastically improve the Bengals defense after a disappointing campaign in 2024. Last season, the Bengals defensive unit averaged 25.5 points against per game, tied for No. 25 in the league.

Should Hendrickson remain with the team despite his contract situation, the former New Orleans Saints star could form a great partnership with Stewart next season. Hendrickson had a league-leading 17.5 sacks last year, while Stewart was extremely impactful for the Aggies in 2024.