As NFL teams gear up for training camp, Cincinnati is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. With just days remaining until the start of camp, many rookie contracts are still not signed, causing concern among fans and teams alike. Out of the 257 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, 31 players were yet to sign their deals by Thursday morning.
A significant issue arises from teams struggling to finalize contracts with their second-round picks. Out of the 32 players drafted in that round, only three have put pen to paper. However, there has been some movement, as in the past two days, 18 players have agreed to contracts, narrowing the number of unsigned rookies to 12.
Focusing on the Bengals, the team faces a particularly tense situation regarding their top draft picks. The negotiations with Shemar Stewart have hit a stalemate. The Bengals have added new terms to Stewart’s contract, which is not consistent with what they’ve agreed upon with past first-rounders. As a result, the rookie has skipped voluntary workouts and did not practice during mandatory minicamp. Without a resolution, a holdout seems inevitable.
For the second consecutive year, the Bengals find themselves without a signed first-round pick by mid-July, highlighting the urgency for resolutions before camp begins. On the other hand, teams like the Texans are trying to navigate their own issues, especially regarding the second-round picks and the implications of contract guarantees influenced by other players’ contracts.
Recent signings, such as that of Alfred Collins by the 49ers, have cleared some confusion around second-round contracts, paving the way for others to finalize their agreements soon.
With the start of training camp rapidly approaching, both players and teams are hopeful that these negotiations will come to a favorable close, allowing rookies to focus on the upcoming season.
