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.

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a contract standoff with their 17th overall pick, and plenty of people, from owners and general managers to college players will be keeping an eye on the outcome.

Shemar Stewart, the first-round rookie, wants improved language in his first NFL deal. Right now, the Bengals are looking at a toothless defense unless some resolutions are reached. ESPN's Ben Solak explains, though, that Stewart's situation is hinging a lot on Hendrickson. Here's Solak's thinking: