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Demetrius Knight was the second player chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former South Carolina linebacker is expected to make an immediate impact on the defense.
He made unexpected waves on social media for the wrong reasons this week thanks to a now-refuted report by a popular internet account. Knight is NOT holding out of training camp.
Knight was a veteran leader in his lone season with the Gamecocks after transferring in from Charlotte. As a senior, he racked up 82 tackles and had the game-sealing interception in a rivalry upset over Clemson.
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Knight turned that production into a second-round NFL Draft pick. After spending five seasons at three different colleges, it was a moment of validation for the defender.
He was overcome with emotion upon receiving the call from Cincy. A goal was achieved, but his eyes were already looking ahead to the future.
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Demetrius Knight is practicing with his new team.
The Bengals added a boatload of defensive talent in this year’s NFL selection process, with Knight expected to be a headliner. That being said, he is one of two rookies that hasn’t yet signed his contract alongside first-round pick Shemar Stewart.
Knight is still working out the terms of his new agreement with Cincinnati. It brought about speculation of an NFL holdout.
The popular ML Football account on X posted a message suggesting Knight was not on the field for training camp due to a lacking injury protection policy. That is not the case.
😂😂news to me! Had a great practice today and looking forward to practice tomorrow, thanks!🧡 https://t.co/64TCNAr6nI
— Demetrius knight ll (@iam_the1knight) May 12, 2025
Demetrius Knight quickly shut that speculation down on Monday. He ensured followers that he’s not holding out. He was at practice on Monday and expects to participate Tuesday.
In the meanwhile, the Bengals will work to get a deal done with their second-round pick.