BREAKING NEWS: First Texas A&M Defensive Lineman Drafted in the First Round Since Myles Garrett Misses Debut as Bengals’ HC Keeps Contract Status in Limbo
CINCINNATI — In what was expected to be a triumphant debut for the Bengals’ highly anticipated first-round pick, the NFL’s opening weekend delivered a stunning twist. Darnell “Tank” Rivers, the explosive defensive lineman out of Texas A&M and the first Aggie D-lineman drafted in the first round since Myles Garrett in 2017, was notably absent from the Bengals’ Week 1 clash against the Browns — and not due to injury.
Rivers, selected 18th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, had turned heads during training camp with his uncanny blend of size, speed, and tenacity. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, his disruptive presence in the trenches earned him early comparisons to Garrett. His preseason performance only reinforced the hype, logging three sacks and eight QB pressures in limited snaps. But just hours before kickoff, insiders confirmed what fans feared: Rivers would be inactive — not because of performance, but because of contractual uncertainty.
Multiple league sources report that a clause in Rivers’ rookie deal — relating to performance-based escalators and injury protections — remains unsigned. While Rivers participated in offseason activities and full training camp, his camp has been locked in behind-the-scenes negotiations with Bengals management for weeks, pushing for more robust guarantees tied to sack totals and Pro Bowl appearances.
Bengals head coach Robert Caldwell, known for his hard-nosed approach and strict team protocols, has refused to comment in detail, stating only, “We don’t put players on the field until everything’s aligned — on and off the field.” His firm stance has sparked frustration among fans and analysts alike, especially given the team’s desperate need for pass-rush production.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Sunday morning that Rivers’ agent, former All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis, had submitted revised contract language last Wednesday. However, as of game day, the team had yet to sign off.
The Bengals ultimately lost 27–19 to a revamped Browns offense that gashed their defensive front for 146 rushing yards. Without Rivers anchoring the line, Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson operated with comfort, facing minimal pressure in the pocket.
“This is a situation that should have been handled weeks ago,” said ESPN analyst Marcus Spears. “You don’t draft a monster like Rivers and then play hardball with his contract — not when you’re trying to win now.”
Rivers, meanwhile, issued a brief statement on X (formerly Twitter): “This isn’t about money. It’s about respect. I’m ready when they are.”
For Texas A&M fans, the moment is bittersweet. Rivers’ rise marked a new era for the Aggie program, finally producing another first-round D-line talent after Garrett’s historic selection. But what should have been a proud debut for both player and school has been clouded by organizational inflexibility and mistrust.
As negotiations resume behind closed doors, one thing is clear: Darnell Rivers has the tools to dominate — but until the ink dries, Bengals fans can only wonder what might have been on Sunday.
