There were big plays, non-first-round rookies in key spots and the simple fact Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were present and looked good. There’s even system continuity and, for the most part, not major roster turnover.

Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick Shemar Stewart's contract dispute continues. Stewart left the final day of Bengals minicamp Thursday.

Super Bowl-winning QB Chase Daniel calls out Bengals as Shemar Stewart’s contract dispute draws headlines during minicamp.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had nothing but good things to say during mandatory minicamp after the team released linebacker Germaine Pratt. The Bengals released Pratt in a cost-cutting measure after the veteran requested his release back in February, but only after revamping the position via free agency and the draft.

Sitting on the sidelines right now slows Stewart's development. Early work could have helped ... Stewart to agree on a contract by next Tuesday when mandatory minicamp begins. If the Bengals don’t have Stewart or four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson ...

Meanwhile, the Bears are steamrolling toward a 2025 training camp that will feature Montez Sweat as the returning leader of Chicago's pass rush, with newly signed Dayo Odeyingbo and second-year pro Austin Booker as his likely running mates.

Stewart departed the Bengals this morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Team and player remain engaged in a stalemate stemming from certain clauses in his rookie contract. Stewart has yet to sign his pact, one which the Bengals are attempting to differentiate from that of recent Day 1 selections Myles Murphy and Amarius Mims.

In a wild turn of events, the Bengals might not have their first-round pick on the team for the entire 2025 NFL season.