The Cincinnati Bengals sidestepped a potential contract standoff with their top rookie selections over the past week. Cashius Howell and Tacario Davis were the only rookies who hadn’t yet signed their contracts for minicamp. However, they both signed participation waivers to get on the field and work with teammates. When asked about his situation, Howell delivered a comment that fans will appreciate. “I love football,” Howell said, according to Kayler Smith of WDTN. “Regardless of the contract not being fully negotiated, it doesn’t really matter to me.” This naturally draws comparisons to Shemar Stewart, the Bengals’ first-round pick from last year. Both are edge defenders who previously played together at Texas A&M. Stewart’s prolonged contract drama with Cincinnati began around the time he refused to sign that same waiver. The comparison isn’t entirely fair — Howell is a second-round pick with far less leverage, and the Bengals were also trying to implement a new contract clause starting with Stewart. Still, given the context, fans are likely to enjoy Howell’s refreshing perspective.