CINCINNATI — Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart did not participate in on-field work during Cincinnati’s rookie minicamp on Friday because the edge rusher remains unsigned.

What You Need To Know

  • Unsigned first-round draft pick for the Bengals Shemar Stewart did not participate on the field during the rookie minicamp Friday

  • Usually, unsigned picks sign an agreement to protect then in the event of an injury

  • He said he's hoping to sign a contact next week

Unsigned draft picks usually sign an agreement that protects them in case of an injury so they can do on-field work during minicamp or offseason workouts.

“I just decided not to sign those papers,” Steward told reporters.

The Bengals selected Stewart with the 17th pick in the first round.

He said he was hoping to sign his contract early next week. Stewart participated in team meetings but watched on the field as defensive linemen performed drills.

“I hate to be on the sidelines just looking at everyone else doing work, especially on the first day. It was kind of tough on me,” he said.

Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., a second-round selection, is also unsigned and didn’t do any on-field work.

Cincinnati’s other four draft picks signed contracts on Friday.

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