Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart took a stand.
Without his rookie contract in place, the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft was unwilling to participate in the team’s rookie minicamp. Despite the criticism he has received from some, it was absolutely the right move. Given the ease with which rookie deals are now negotiated, no player should set foot on a practice field without the security that comes from the finalization of his rookie deal.
There’s no reason for the team to force any player to assume even the slightest amount of risk.