After years of no second-round picks receiving fully-guaranteed contracts, the 2025 NFL Draft class is breaking new ground: The first eight picks of the second round are trending toward full guarantees \u2014 with six already finalized:<\/p>\n
– 33. Carson Schwesinger \u2013 100% \u2014 Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n As if the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> don\u2019t have enough contract drama, here comes the impasse with second-round pick Demetrius Knight.\u00a0<\/p>\n Knight and the Bengals have yet to agree on a contract<\/a>. And it\u2019s a product of a widespread new trend sweeping the NFL, with second-round picks near the start of the round getting fully guaranteed contracts for the first time.\u00a0<\/p>\n This impasse didn\u2019t stop Knight from practicing with the Bengals<\/a> during the spring, but it can and likely will prevent him from working during trianing camp. Still unsigned, the Bengals can\u2019t fine him it, either.\u00a0<\/p>\n RELATED: Ranking Bengals’ most underrated players ahead of training camp<\/a><\/p>\n So now, the question is simple: Will the Bengals take their standard, stubborn approach with this contract too?\u00a0<\/p>\n Knight was the 49th pick in the draft and the dominoes in front of the Bengals just keep falling:\u00a0<\/p>\n With Trey Hendrickson threatening to sit out and first-rounder Shemar Stewart still unsigned, will the Bengals find holding their ground on Knight worth the additional headache?\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to say either way, but with the Bengals counting on Knight to step in right away and have a big role with Germaine Pratt gone, one would think the team just follows the new NFL precedent and gets this done.<\/p>\n RELATED: Adam Schefter’s latest on Bengals, Shemar Stewart isn’t positive<\/a><\/p>\n
– 34. Jayden\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/CYKC5bw1uX<\/a><\/p>\n