Bengals' Rookie Holdout: Contract Dispute Shakes Up Training Camp

Cincinnati Bengals Face Rookie Contract Standoff Cincinnati, OH – The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a challenge as two of their top draft picks, first-round selection Shemar Stewart and second-round pick Demetrius Knight II, are holding out of team drills until their contract disputes are resolved. This situation stems from a difference in the Bengals' rookie waiver system compared to the rest of the NFL. Unlike other teams, Cincinnati's waiver doesn't offer the same level of protection for unsigned rookies, leaving players vulnerable to injury without a contract. The Bengals' less protective waiver system is at the heart of the current standoff. "It's a situation that's been brewing for a while now," says a source familiar with the league's waiver systems. "The Bengals have a history of these kinds of contract issues, and it's not just about the money; it's about the protection." While the higher draft picks have leverage to hold out, lower-round picks face significant pressure to participate in drills, even without a signed contract, to secure their position on the team. The Bengals' aspirations for a playoff run could be impacted by this situation. The team is hoping for a swift resolution to minimize disruption to their preparations for the upcoming season. The situation underscores the importance of contract negotiations in professional sports and the need for fair and comprehensive protection for all players.