Bengals May Trade Former 1st Round Pick Stewart

Former first-round pick Shemar Stewart is a name drawing attention from other NFL teams regarding a potential trade, according to reports. Stewart, selected 17th overall, has seen minimal defensive snaps in his second season with the Cincinnati Bengals, playing only 17 snaps, a stark contrast to other defensive ends on the roster. This lack of playing time, significantly less than rookie Cashius Howell and Cedric Johnson, suggests he is not currently a factor in the team's defensive rotation.

The Bengals typically prioritize drafting and developing their offensive and defensive linemen. However, Stewart's situation, where he appears buried on the depth chart, might lead the team to move on from the player they drafted so highly. Despite his limited production, Stewart is still seen as having high upside, making him an intriguing prospect for other teams.

Stewart was always considered a boom-or-bust prospect, and his struggles to convert potential into consistent production were noted before the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, he played 280 snaps but recorded only one sack. Now, with the additions of Boye Mafe and Howell, his role has diminished further, making a trade a viable option for Cincinnati to potentially address needs at other positions.