This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ‘We need you.’ Amarius Mims shares message to Shemar Stewart as Bengals open camp If there’s one player who understands the importance of training camp practice in Cincinnati, it’s Amarius Mims.

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft took place 88 days ago, and somehow, in that time, the Cincinnati Bengals have failed to work out a deal with their top pick, Shemar Stewart.  The pass-rusher from Texas A&M is the only remaining first-rounder who is still unsigned and if Monday was any indication,

The Bengals don’t appear to be willing to budge on their stance as they feel it’s completely justified. Stewart thinks he’s done nothing wrong and has publicly stated his desire to receive a contract that mirrors what the most recent first-round picks in Cincinnati have received.

It seems to be above his pay grade,' Shemar Stewart's agent said in response to Bengals' Duke Tobin questioning the advice he was giving the rookie.

Cincinnati selected Stewart with the No. 17 pick in April’s NFL draft, but he has yet to sign his contract due to an issue he and his representatives have with the contract’s guarantees.

Cincinnati selected Stewart No. 17 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft but he's yet to sign a contract as training camp begins.

Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart didn't report with the rest of the rookies for the start of training camp on Saturday, but a team executive doesn't think the contract standoff is solely his fault.

The Cincinnati Bengals face uncertainty with two key defensive ends ahead of training camp. Trey Hendrickson, an All-Pro last season, is seeking a long-term extension with guaranteed money.

Duke Tobin questions the advice Stewart's gotten from his agent for keeping the first-round pick from signing.

Widely reported as a contract standoff due to the Bengals attempting to reset their own language around the voidance of guarantees, the conversation Monday managed to even overshadow the contract drama with Trey Hendrickson. Bengals president Mike Brown confirmed the nature of the problem.

Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown commented on rookie first round pick Shemar Stewart refusing to sign his rookie contract and the language in the deal