CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Bengals' first-round draft pick, Shemar Stewart, has yet to take his first practice reps in the NFL, and he firmly believes the delay is not on his end. As the contract dispute between Stewart and the Bengals continues, the rookie defensive end has not signed his rookie contract or participation waiver, with both sides struggling to agree on the contract's language.

Stewart, the 17th overall pick, expressed his frustration after the first day of the team's mandatory minicamp. He believes the Bengals are more focused on winning an argument than winning games. "In my case, I'm 100% right," Stewart told ESPN. "I'm not asking for anything that's never been done before. In (the team's case), y'all just want to win an argument instead of winning more games, in my opinion."

This bold statement from a rookie has garnered support from his teammates. Many in the locker room have reassured Stewart that he's handling the situation correctly, especially as he fights for contract language similar to what previous Bengals picks have received. "It's made it very easy when the people in your locker room say you're doing the right things," Stewart said. "Especially the star players."

Linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., the team's second-round draft pick, has also not signed his rookie contract but has participated in recent drills, including the first day of minicamp. Stewart is not alone in his contract dispute; star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson also did not report for the mandatory minicamp, seeking a long-term contract extension as he enters the final year of his current deal.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow acknowledged that these contract disputes are a distraction for the team but expressed support for both Stewart and Hendrickson. "You'd love to have none, but that's life in the NFL," Burrow said. "We're all supporting Trey and would love for him to be back."

As the stalemate continues, the Bengals face challenges both on and off the field, with their top draft pick and a key defensive player absent from crucial team activities.