The San Francisco 49ers are at a pivotal moment in their quest to bolster their defensive line, with the Cincinnati Bengals’ rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart emerging as a potential trade target due to his ongoing contract dispute. Stewart, the Bengals’ 17th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has yet to sign his rookie contract and has walked out of mandatory minicamp, creating an opportunity for the 49ers to swoop in. Here are three shocking factors the 49ers could leverage to convince the Bengals to part with their talented but disgruntled rookie.
1. A High-Value Draft Pick Swap to Offset Bengals’ Loss
The Bengals are in a precarious position, facing the risk of losing Stewart without compensation if he sits out the 2025 season and re-enters the 2026 NFL Draft. To avoid this nightmare scenario, the 49ers could offer a compelling draft pick package, such as a 2026 first-round pick or a combination of a second-round and fourth-round pick. This move would be shocking because the 49ers, who selected Mykel Williams with the 11th pick in 2025, rarely part with high draft capital. However, with Williams currently sidelined by injury, Stewart’s immediate impact potential could justify the bold offer, giving the Bengals valuable assets to rebuild while addressing the 49ers’ urgent need for defensive line depth.
2. Including a Proven Veteran in the Trade Package
To sweeten the deal, the 49ers could shock the NFL by offering a proven veteran player alongside draft picks. A player like defensive end Chase Young, whose contract is set to expire, could be an enticing piece for the Bengals, who are already dealing with a contract standoff with their star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Young’s experience and pass-rushing ability could fill the void left by Stewart, providing Cincinnati with immediate help while allowing the 49ers to integrate a younger, high-upside player like Stewart into their long-term defensive strategy. This unexpected inclusion of a notable name would signal the 49ers’ aggressive intent to capitalize on the Bengals’ internal turmoil.
3. Financial Incentives to Ease Cincinnati’s Salary Cap Woes
The Bengals are grappling with significant salary cap constraints, with high-profile contracts for players like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins eating up substantial cap space. The 49ers could shockingly propose to absorb a portion of a traded player’s salary or include cash considerations in the deal to alleviate Cincinnati’s financial burden. This unconventional approach would allow the Bengals to manage their cap more effectively while acquiring assets for Stewart, who is currently a liability due to his refusal to sign. For the 49ers, this financial maneuver would demonstrate their willingness to go all-in to secure a player who could transform their defensive front, especially given their current injury challenges.
Conclusion
The 49ers have a unique opportunity to exploit the Bengals’ contract standoff with Shemar Stewart by leveraging these three shocking factors: a high-value draft pick swap, the inclusion of a proven veteran, and financial incentives to ease Cincinnati’s cap issues. Such a bold trade proposal could redefine the 49ers’ defensive lineup, providing a much-needed boost as they navigate injuries and aim for a playoff return in 2025. Meanwhile, the Bengals would gain assets and flexibility to move forward, making this a potential win-win deal that would send shockwaves through the NFL.