The Cincinnati Bengals are stuck in yet another contract standoff – this time with rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. ., their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft . Knight Jr., taken 49th overall, remains unsigned heading into training camp , as the team resists a league-wide shift in how second-round contracts are structured. So, what’s holding things up? For one, Demetrius Knight Jr. is part of a new wave of second-round picks pushing for fully guaranteed contracts, a trend sparked by the early deals in this year’s draft class, and the Bengals’ front office seems reluctant to adapt.
Rookie linebacker still unsigned as training camp nearsDemetrius Knight Jr. may have taken part in spring practices with the Bengals, but that doesn’t mean much now. With training camp on the horizon, the lack of a signed deal could keep him off the field entirely. And because he hasn’t signed, the team can’t fine him for skipping camp either – leaving both sides in limbo.
This clash over contract terms isn’t happening in a vacuum. In fact, the Bengals are juggling multiple offseason contract storylines, including pass rusher Trey Hendrickson ’s threat to sit out and first-round pick defensive end Shemar Stewart also remaining unsigned. Add Demetrius Knight Jr.’s situation to the mix and it’s clear the front office has its hands full.
Elijah Arroyo deal gives Cincinnati Bengals little wiggle roomThe Bengals are feeling added pressure after tight end Elijah Arroyo, selected 50th overall by the Seattle Seahawks – just one pick after Knight Jr.. – signed a contract with $6.872 million guaranteed out of $8.813 million total. With 78 percent of his deal guaranteed, Arroyo’s contract now serves as a clear benchmark in Knight Jr.’s negotiations.