By Blessing 
Could the Lions Pull Off a Shocking Trade for Bengals’ Rookie Shemar Stewart?
As the Detroit Lions set their sights on making a real run at the Super Bowl in 2025, the front office may not be done shaping the roster. Even after a busy offseason, there could be one more major move on the table—and it involves Cincinnati Bengals’ first-round pick Shemar Stewart.
Last season, the Lions made progress but ultimately fell short in the playoffs again. They’ve since lost two key coaches—offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn—to head coaching jobs elsewhere. Yet, head coach Dan Campbell remains at the helm, and Detroit retooled effectively in the offseason to keep the momentum alive.
Still, with training camp around the corner, there’s reason to believe the Lions may have one more trick up their sleeve.
Trouble Brewing in Cincinnati
The Bengals are currently dealing with a difficult situation involving their top 2025 draft pick, defensive lineman Shemar Stewart. Drafted 17th overall out of Texas A&M, Stewart was expected to help anchor a defensive line that could soon be without veteran star Trey Hendrickson, whose own contract situation has caused tension.
On paper, Stewart looked like a safe and logical pick—a versatile defensive disruptor with three-down potential. But not long after the draft, the rookie’s relationship with the team hit rocky ground. Negotiations over his rookie contract have stalled, reportedly because the Bengals included a clause that would void his guaranteed money if he ran into off-the-field issues.
This didn’t sit well with Stewart, who has since refused to practice and even walked out of mandatory minicamp early. With no resolution in sight, the situation has gone from complicated to combustible.
Now, the Bengals are stuck in a bind. Their attention is clearly on trying to extend Hendrickson, but Stewart’s holdout can’t be ignored. With Stewart reportedly considering sitting out the entire season—and possibly re-entering the draft in 2026—Cincinnati may have to make a tough call: pay him or trade him.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
Here’s a hypothetical deal that has caught the attention of NFL observers:
Detroit Lions receive: Shemar Stewart
Cincinnati Bengals receive: 2026 first-round pick
From Detroit’s perspective, this deal makes a lot of sense. The Lions already have a cornerstone pass rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, who they’ll gladly welcome back in 2025. But the rest of the defensive line remains a bit unsettled. Veterans like Alim McNeill and D.J. Reader bring stability at defensive tackle, but there are real questions about edge rusher Marcus Davenport.
Adding a player like Stewart—who has the size, quickness, and flexibility to line up in multiple spots—would instantly upgrade the unit. And if Detroit performs as expected this coming season, that 2026 first-round pick will likely fall in the late 20s. So essentially, the Lions would be trading a low first-rounder for a top-20 pick from this year.
On the flip side, it would give the Bengals a chance to get value in return for a player who may never wear their jersey. While Cincinnati would surely prefer to get Stewart signed and ready to contribute, getting a first-rounder back would help them save face—and focus on more willing talent.
Why the Deal Could Actually Work
In an ideal world, Shemar Stewart would sign his contract, suit up for the Bengals, and the whole ordeal would be water under the bridge. But with Stewart’s camp standing firm and no deal in sight, that scenario is becoming less likely by the day.
Trading Stewart might seem like a drastic step, but the Bengals would at least recoup the draft capital they spent—especially if they believe this drama will only escalate. A 2026 first-rounder from Detroit, assuming the team continues to rise, won’t match the No. 17 spot in value, but it’s still a solid return.
For the Lions, the upside is enormous. They’d be landing a top defensive talent at a premium position—without giving up any current contributors. Stewart is still only a rookie, and his upside is significant. This could be the kind of move that gives Detroit an edge not just this year, but for seasons to come.
Final Thoughts
NFL trades are often unpredictable, and situations like Stewart’s rarely reach the boiling point this early. But the longer the standoff continues, the more realistic a trade becomes.
If the Bengals decide to move on, Detroit would be wise to get in line. For a team chasing Super Bowl dreams, taking a swing at a high-upside player like Stewart might be exactly the type of bold move that makes the difference in January.