“The 2025 first-round pick is not a factor in the team’s rotation right now,” Fowler wrote, adding that Stewart has played 17 defensive snaps, “well behind the total for the fourth defensive end, Cedric Johnson (83).”
Fowler didn’t say how many teams are tracking him or report that Cincinnati is shopping him, and he noted the Bengals typically don’t move young draft picks.
Stewart Has Been Buried In The Rotation
Stewart is 22, was the 17th overall pick in 2025 out of Texas A&M, and spent most of last season on injured reserve.
He has appeared in three games this season with three tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack, and he hasn’t started.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Multiple teams are keeping an eye on Bengals pass rusher Shemar Stewart as the trade deadline approaches, according to @JFowlerESPN https://t.co/TBofnoeBit
— JPA (@jasrifootball) October 21, 2026
Cincinnati’s edge group now includes Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, Johnson, and second-round rookie Cashius Howell, who Fowler wrote “has been impressive.”
Head coach Zac Taylor said last month after a loss to Pittsburgh that “there’s going to be moments we get Shemar more involved,” adding, “He’s got a great effort, great attitude.”
The Bengals are coming off their bye, and it’s unclear whether Stewart’s role will grow, as of right now.
What A Trade Would Involve
Stewart signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $18.94 million contract in July 2025 after a holdout, and he carries a $4.3 million cap hit this season.
The deal includes a fifth-year option for the Bengals to pick up in 2028, so an acquiring team would be buying years of cost-controlled upside.
Shemar Stewart played 8 snaps against Miami. Do you expect that number to increase as the season goes along? https://t.co/OKhJah4qEh
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) October 15, 2026
Bengals Wire called a trade “extremely unlikely,” noting the team has good depth at the position and wouldn’t give up on a high-end prospect this soon, though it floated the idea that another club might ask for Stewart’s upside in a larger deal for a star.
Fowler’s reporting was more measured, saying it would be surprising if the Bengals haven’t received inquiries on a 22-year-old whose upside remains high.
