Quietly in the background, though, is second-round pick Demetrius Knight Jr. fighting for a starting gig next to Logan Wilson. Knight, who has made a point to learn from Joe Burrow as he goes, continues to make a push alongside new arrival Oren Burks, the veteran the Bengals signed in free agency.

Amarius Mims, whom the Bengals selected in 2024, only signed his contract in late July. If the rookie has not signed the contract, he'll sign a practice waiver. This waiver serves as a protection mechanism for the player in case something happens during practice.

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.