Okay, so get this: Bengals first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart is apparently a “surprise” name to watch on the trade market this Fall, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The dude’s only in his second NFL season, was a 2025 first-round pick, and he’s already being talked about as a trade candidate because of how little he’s actually seeing the field for Cincinnati.
Barely There: Stewart’s Disappearing Act
Seriously, it’s wild. The Bengals are 3-2 coming out of their Week 6 bye and sitting last in the AFC North, but their defense has been a major reason they’re even in a position to make a move. The defensive line, specifically, has been playing great. You’d think a former first-rounder would be a huge part of that, right? Wrong. Stewart has logged a pathetic 17 snaps on defense through the first part of the season. That’s well below Cedric Johnson, who’s considered the team’s fourth edge rusher. When Trey Hendrickson left, it felt like a given that Stewart’s playing time would jump, but instead, he’s totally fallen by the wayside.
Too Many Cooks? The Bengals’ Edge Rush Logjam
What’s the deal, then? Well, it looks like the Bengals have some other guys stepping up. Boye Mafe has taken on a big role, and Myles Murphy has held onto a starting job. Plus, rookie second-rounder Cashius Howell has been impressing everyone with an increasing role. So, best-case scenario, Stewart is the fourth edge rusher right now. But with Johnson already factoring into the rotation, that pushes Stewart down to the No. 5 spot. Can you believe it? A first-round pick buried at No. 5 on the depth chart in his second year. No wonder teams are tracking him. His upside is still high, but clearly, he’s just not getting the opportunities in Cincinnati.
A Trade Chip for a Super Bowl Push?
Fowler thinks Stewart is a legitimate trade candidate for the 2026 NFL trade deadline, and honestly, it makes sense when you look at the situation. The Bengals typically don’t move their young draft picks, especially first-rounders so early, but Stewart has been an “underwhelming” pick so far. Here’s the kicker: the Bengals are getting good results elsewhere on defense, and they’re pursuing a deep Super Bowl run this year. If they can flip Stewart for more help for the 2026 roster, they might just entertain offers. It’s a tough break for Stewart, but for a team looking to go all the way, sometimes you gotta make those tough calls.
The Bengals are looking to climb out of that AFC North basement, and with the trade deadline looming, keeping an eye on whether Stewart gets moved could be a huge indicator of what kind of reinforcements Cincinnati is eyeing for their Super Bowl push.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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