Cashius Howell showed up to the Cincinnati Bengals’ rookie minicamp.
A year ago, the Cincinnati Bengals’ rookie minicamp was defined by a standoff that cast a shadow over the entire offseason. Shemar Stewart, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, refused to sign his participation waiver during contract negotiations and missed the entire offseason program and the start of training camp.
It was an unprecedented situation that left Stewart behind in his development from day one. He didn’t get on the practice field until July 26, three days after training camp began, and the Bengals had to carefully manage his workload throughout the preseason as a result.
But Friday’s rookie minicamp at Paycor Stadium looked nothing like that. Every member of the 2026 draft class participated on May 8, including the two players who have yet to sign their rookie contracts.
Second-round pick Cashius Howell and third-round pick Tacario Davis both remain unsigned, but each signed participation waivers ahead of the session, protecting themselves in the event of an injury while allowing them to get on the field with their new teammates.
Howell was spotted going through technique work with defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery shortly after practice began.
When asked about his decision to participate without a finalized contract, Howell put his passion on full display.
“I love football,” Howell said. “Regardless of the contract not being negotiated fully, doesn’t really matter to me” (h/t Kayler Smith of WDTN).
Due to when Howell was drafted in the second round, his contract may be tougher for both sides to reach an agreement on immediately, meaning negotiations could carry into the summer. Davis’s deal, by contrast, is expected to be significantly easier to finalize, as he will not receive any guarantees after this season, making his contract a more straightforward negotiation.
The five picks who signed ahead of minicamp were Connor Lew, Colbie Young, Brian Parker II, Jack Endries, and Landon Robinson, all selected on Day 3. While the two highest-profile selections remain in negotiations, neither showed any indication Friday that the contractual situation would disrupt their preparation.
The Bengals are counting on both Howell and Davis to contribute right away, and getting them on the field from day one of the offseason program is a meaningful step in the right direction for a team operating on a compressed timeline.
Cincinnati finished the 2025 season third in the AFC North and missed the playoffs for the third straight season. But things are looking really different already, and the attitude of every one in the building is reflective of the change Bengals fans have clamored for over the years.