For Hunter, as the top overall pick, it's just a matter of economics. The No. 1 overall pick in 2023, quarterback Bryce Young signed a four-year, $37.96 million contract that is fully guaranteed. The following year, quarterback Caleb Williams signed a four-year contract worth $39.45 million with the Chicago Bears that was fully guaranteed as well.

Stewart has several options and he could quickly turn into the Bengals' (and NFL's) worst nightmare if he decides to go with a nuclear option of re-entering the draft next year, a process that is outlined in article 6 of the CBA .

Twenty-nine of the 32 players picked in the first round 2025 NFL draft have signed their rookie contracts. The three exceptions are Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (pick No. 2), Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (pick No. 17) and Denver Broncos cornerback Jahdae Barron (pick No. 20).

Bengals first-rounder Shemar Stewart remains unsigned and not participating in minicamp due to an unusual contract language squabble with the team

Enter 2026 NFL Draft

Shemar Stewart's holdout from the Cincinnati Bengals due to some of the language they want to include in his rookie contract is reportedly a fairly common practice used by other teams.

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Shemar Stewart skipped the final day of the team’s mandatory minicamp practice as he remains in a contract dispute with the club.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, unsigned first-round draft pick Shemar Stewart has left Bengals minicamp. Stewart left amid the Bengals asking for "certain clauses," per Shefter, after the 17th pick had attended team activities.