The Cincinnati Bengals are somehow signing a notorious NFL Draft bust to back up Joe Burrow before working out contracts for Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart.

Unsigned Cincinnati Bengals draft pick Shemar Stewart is "believed to be keeping all options open" amid stalled NFL contract negotiations, according to Mark Maske, Nicki Jhabvala and Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post.

Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart and the Cincinnati Bengals are in a well-documented stalemate ... Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, is in the final year of his deal.

RELATED: Bengals, Shemar Stewart nuclear option includes 2026 NFL draft route The big exception with Stewart is…he’s a first-round pick. That makes it more notable.

Edge rusher Shemar Stewart is greeted by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April ...

Cincinnati Bengals First Round Pick Shemar Stewart Didn't Sign Injury Waiver for One Big Reason. The Bengals took Stewart with the 17th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart and the Cincinnati Bengals are in a well-documented stalemate ... Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, is in the final year of his deal.