Bengals 1st-Round Draft Pick Shemar Stewart Sat Out Rookie Minicamp Due to Contract

The Cincinnati Bengals have not yet been able to get first-round pick Shemar Stewart on the field.

The Bengals used the 17th pick in the 2025 NFL draft on Stewart in hopes that he can bolster their defensive line. However, he did not participate in Friday's minicamp because he has not yet signed his rookie contract.

When asked about why he hasn't signed the contract, Stewart said he "decided not to sign the papers" and that he is doing everything beyond the off-field workouts.

"I would hope so," Stewart said when asked if he'll sign his contact by Monday, per Caleb Noe of WCPO. "I would love to be a part of the team. I hate being on the sideline just looking at everybody else do work."

Bengals second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. also did not practice Friday for the same reason as Stewart.

Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Stewart and Knight are the only Bengals rookies who have not signed their contracts.

While the reason that Stewart has not signed yet is currently unknown, the team notably had a contract dispute with 2024 first-round pick Amarius Mims over guaranteed money. Mims would eventually sign July 22, two days before training camp.

Stewart was rated as the No. 17 overall player and the No. 3 edge-rusher in the draft class by Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department. He played three collegiate seasons at Texas A&M where he recorded 65 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in his career.

The Bengals hope they can develop him and utilize him as a weapon on defense. Until a contract is signed, however, Stewart and the team will have to wait before he hits the field.