This free-agent signing by the Bengals is taking younger teammates under his wing while trying to lead the turnaround.

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).

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 .

The Bengals are playing games with their first-round pick Shemar Stewart so analysts are projecting trades for him and one included the Bucs.

The Cincinnati Bengals remain in a contract impasse with their top defender, Trey Hendrickson. NFL sources open up on his market value

The tone to signal the final selection in the 2025 NFL Draft may still be fading, but it is never too early to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft. The process is reminiscent to the scene in the movie "Elf" where Santa celebrates traveling the globe to deliver presents to children by announcing that "after all that hard work,