July 20, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals Sign Demetrius Knight Jr. to Rookie Deal

News Summary

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. to a four-year rookie contract, which is notable for its nearly 80% guaranteed amount. Knight, a standout from South Carolina, is set to fill a starting linebacker role following the departure of Germaine Pratt. His signing comes amidst contract negotiation challenges with first-round pick Shemar Stewart, raising concerns about team dynamics as training camp approaches. The Bengals aim to address their defensive struggles from last season while solidifying their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Cincinnati, Ohio – The Cincinnati Bengals have made headlines by signing second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. to a four-year rookie contract, a deal that includes nearly 80% of the contract fully guaranteed at the time of signing. This historic agreement is a milestone in NFL history, as Knight becomes the first player drafted 49th overall to receive guarantees extending into the fourth year of their contract.

Demetrius Knight Jr., who is 25 years old, stands out as one of the older prospects in this year’s draft class. He had a notable collegiate career at South Carolina, where he recorded 82 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and three interceptions during the 2024 season. His performance earned him a commendable grade of 82.8 from Pro Football Focus, showcasing his abilities and readiness to compete at the professional level.

The Bengals officially announced Knight’s signing on July 18th, coinciding with the date rookies reported to training camp. With the departure of linebacker Germaine Pratt, Knight is expected to step into a starting role this upcoming season, bringing valuable experience and skill to a position of need.

However, significant challenges remain for the Bengals as first-round pick Shemar Stewart remains unsigned. Contract language disputes have hindered the completion of his deal, contributing to a unique scenario for the Bengals, as it is unusual to have an unsigned first-round pick at this stage of the offseason. Stewart opted to skip all organized team activities (OTAs) and did not participate in the mandatory minicamp, further complicating his integration into the team.

As training camp approaches, which officially begins on July 23rd, the Bengals are aware of the implications Stewart’s absence may have on team dynamics, particularly as they prepare for their first preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 7th. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has recognized the unusual circumstances surrounding the team’s roster as they gear up for the upcoming season.

The Bengals face pressing issues on their defensive front, having ranked 25th in the NFL in defense last season. Much of the defensive performance relied on defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with his contract situation. With an expected salary of approximately $16 million, Hendrickson’s earnings are seen as below market value for top-tier defensive ends, impacting the team’s overall capability to field a competitive defense.

Knight’s signing is viewed as a timely and much-needed step for the Bengals in addressing these defensive challenges and moving forward with their offseason strategy. With camps starting soon, the team is eager to solidify its lineup and enhance its performance on both sides of the ball.

As the Bengals look ahead, establishing a strong foundation in training camp will be critical in overcoming the obstacles presented, both from contract disputes and from enhancing team dynamics after a lackluster defensive season. The franchise is dedicated to refining its roster prior to the commencement of the upcoming season.

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