Former Bengals First-Round Pick Surfaces in Trade Rumors

The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for a pivotal AFC North matchup against the Baltimore Ravens as the team looks to build momentum following its bye week. However, with the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, Cincinnati could have another decision to make in the coming weeks.

The Nov. 10 deadline is drawing closer, and trade rumors around the league are beginning to heat up. One surprising name now connected to the trade market is a former Bengals first-round pick who has struggled to find a consistent role in Cincinnati's defense.

The Bengals revamped their defense during the offseason, adding several veteran playmakers to improve a unit that struggled last season. Those additions have helped strengthen the defense, but they have also created increased competition for playing time, leaving some younger players with smaller roles than they might have expected.

That has been the case for defensive end Shemar Stewart.

After Cincinnati selected Stewart with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, expectations were high for the young pass rusher. However, injuries and increased competition have limited his opportunities to make an impact.

With Boye Mafe joining the defensive line and Myles Murphy taking a step forward, Stewart has struggled to find his place in the rotation. Through the Bengals' first five games, he has played just 17 defensive snaps, putting him well behind the team's other edge rushers.

Now, that limited role has reportedly caught the attention of teams around the league.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler identified Stewart as a sleeper trade candidate ahead of the deadline, reporting that multiple teams are tracking the second-year defender. Fowler noted that Stewart's lack of involvement in Cincinnati's defensive rotation could lead to inquiries from interested teams, despite the Bengals' usual reluctance to move young draft picks.

Stewart still possesses considerable upside, making him an intriguing option for teams looking to acquire a young pass rusher. For Cincinnati, however, moving on from a recent first-round selection would be a significant decision, particularly with his potential still largely untapped.

Still, his lack of playing time makes a trade a possibility worth monitoring. With Mafe, Murphy and rookie Cashius Howell contributing along the edge, the Bengals have several options ahead of Stewart in the rotation.

Will it happen? I don't know. The Bengals could ultimately decide to keep developing Stewart, but his name is now circulating in trade discussions. With the Nov. 10 deadline approaching, it is definitely something to monitor.