No, the Bengals aren't going to trade first-round pick Shemar Stewart
No, the Bengals aren't going to trade first-round pick Shemar Stewart
The Cincinnati Bengals won't trade first-round pick Shemar Stewart despite the strange contract standoff, reportedly due to the team attempting to make him the first to accept the revised precedent around how it does contracts.
That big disclaimer out of the way, the idea the Bengals might throw up their hands and trade Stewart is starting to make the rounds (it's mid-June with no news to speak of, after all).
Bleacher Report's Mitchell Milani just suggested trade packages. And one doesn't have to look long to find many more.
Again, not happening.
As we've already documented, the 'nuclear' option for Stewart is to completely skip this year and enter the 2026 draft, which would mean the Bengals get zero back for the loss and can't draft him again. But if he tried to play in college again or another professional league, the Bengals would keep his rights, according to ESPN's Ben Baby.
RELATED: Bengals, Shemar Stewart nuclear option includes 2026 NFL draft route
As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio already pointed out, teams can technically trade unsigned draft picks up until 30 days before the first game of the season.
But again, if Stewart would likely fall undrafted or to the late rounds a year from now after all this drama, why would a team trade for him right now? And why would the Bengals entertain the idea?
Make no mistake, Cincinnati's standoff with Stewart is public and ugly. The team's past reputation in the media isn't doing any favors, either. But he's been present for most of the activities and taking mental reps with his teammates.
Yes, Stewart is a project who needs every live rep possible. But the early summer stuff has already been missed. It's done. The Bengals aren't going to turn around and trade him for undoubtedly a lesser return than what they paid to draft him because of a staring contest over a little language in his contract.
And Stewart's not going to want to go to another team that, depending on who to believe in the reporting, already uses this language he's not happy about in the first place.
So, Bengals fans will need to smile and grit through it. There's an endless wave of content about a Stewart trade inbound, but it's the same thing as Trey Hendrickson trade content…also not happening.
RELATED: Bengals standouts after mandatory minicamp includes surprises
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Mike Evans Reveals His Take on Bengals Star Ja'Marr Chase
Mike Evans Reveals His Take on Bengals Star Ja'Marr Chase originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There's a new generation of receivers taking over the NFL, and they are quickly encroaching upon some of the players in league history. Advertisement Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson seems to set receiving records each season. In 2024, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase won the receiving triple crown. Fellow LSU alumni and New York Giants dynamo Malik Nabers wasn't too far behind despite bottom-barrel quarterbacking, and it seems like every offseason offers a new batch of studs to choose from. And yet, none of them hold a candle to Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran Mike Evans' production. Only Jerry Rice has as many consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (11) as Evans, and the greatest receiver to ever live is the only player with more quadruple-digit campaigns. Nobody is touching that mark any time soon; it's a matter of circumstance, luck, and a whole lot of talent. If anyone is going to break it, Chase and his connection with quarterback Joe Burrow might have the best chance. Advertisement The Buccaneers legend revealed his take on Chase in an interview with Greg Auman. 'Ja'Marr Chase. He's a guy where if you said he was better than me — I don't think anybody's better than me — but if you said him, I would understand,' Evans said. There's a very real chance that Chase's peak is greater than Evans'. The latter has never led the league in receiving or receptions. Chase did so in 2024. He also picked up a first-team All-Pro selection this past season, something Evans hasn't done through his 11-year career. For what it's worth, Chase has a long way to go to match Evans' streak of 11 seasons. He's logged at least 1,000 yards in his first four seasons. The aforementioned Burrow certainly helps his chances, as does a running mate in receiver Tee Higgins who takes some attention away. Chase will have to stay healthy to hit those marks, but few will doubt his ability to produce those kinds of seasons. Advertisement Perhaps Evans' ability to remain consistent with Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Baker Mayfield, and a host of other passers makes his record even more impressive. Chase will hope to take one step closer to Evans this year, although Cincinnati and Tampa Bay won't play in the 2025 regular season. Related: Bengals Pro Bowl Tackle Remains Confident Despite Offseason Distractions Related: 'Lucky' Bengals Found Gem in Sixth-Round RB This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Bengals' Defense Described as 'Ugly' Entering 2025 Season
Bengals' Defense Described as 'Ugly' Entering 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Everyone knows that the Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best offensive trios in the entire NFL in Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. But their defense has been a bit of a talking point going into the season. Advertisement In a recent article by Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, he lists what he thinks is the good, the bad, and the ugly from this offseason. In the category titled "the bad", he has the 2025 Bengals defense. "All told, the Bengals have an offense capable of scoring 30 points per game," Verderame wrote. "That might not be enough based on the defensive depth chart and new coordinator Al Golden, who has no experience at his current position on the NFL level." The Bengals drafted Shemar Stewart with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but they have still not signed him to his rookie deal. And that is just one of the team's problems on that side of the ball. They have also not reached an agreement on a new contract with superstar edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, and it is seeming more and more likely that he will not be playing in Cincinnati in 2025. After failing to find a trade, the team also had to let go of star linebacker Germaine Pratt, who played a big role in 2024. Advertisement The Bengals have missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons, so the team's defense will be looking to do all they can to help the team make it back to the postseason. Related: Mike Evans Reveals His Take on Bengals Star Ja'Marr Chase Related: Bengals' Impressive Ranking Leaves One Major Question This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Dolphins New Timeline Revealed for Jalen Ramsey Trade
Dolphins New Timeline Revealed for Jalen Ramsey Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The NFL world has now known for two months that the Miami Dolphins are looking to trade Jalen Ramsey, but no deal has been made yet. Advertisement Ramsey did not appear at organized team activities (OTAs) or mandatory minicamp, and it would be a surprise at this point if he showed up for training camp next month. Now, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio says you may not see a deal made until after the regular season begins, or at least until a notable injury takes place. "The fact that a trade hasn't happened proves that it's not going smoothly," Florio said. "Ultimately, the Dolphins may have to wait for someone with another team to get injured before a true market for Ramsey's contract will materialize." Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) runs onto the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Navarro-Imagn Images The only team that has been linked as a possible trade partner is the Los Angeles Rams, and head coach Sean McVay was bullish on a potential deal. Advertisement Florio believes the team needs leverage to help them recoup some value from Ramsey's contract, worth upwards of $72.3 million through the 2028 season. He named the Rams as a potential partner that could help create some leverage. Florio noted that it is highly unlikely to see a scenario like Deshaun Watson had with the Houston Texans in 2021, where Watson was nearly traded but ended up being paid to sit the entire season. It would also be a surprise if Ramsey, who turns 31 in October, would be okay with sitting out an entire season at this point in his career. Both Ramsey and the Dolphins have motivation to work out a deal, Florio believes it is just a matter of what return Miami is comfortable with getting back. Related: Sean McVay Reveals Reason Why Dolphins Haven't Traded Jalen Ramsey This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
