The NFL offseason has been anything but quiet for the Cincinnati Bengals, with their first-round pick, Shemar Stewart, at the center of a heated contract dispute. As the saga unfolds, speculation is mounting about a potential trade that could see the San Francisco 49ers swoop in and acquire the talented but disgruntled rookie defensive end. Could the 49ers pull off a blockbuster move that leaves the Bengals empty-handed before the 2025 season kicks off? Let’s dive into the details.
The Contract Standoff
Shemar Stewart, selected 17th overall by the Bengals in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, has yet to sign his rookie contract due to a disagreement over specific language in the deal. The Bengals are attempting to introduce a clause that allows them to void future guarantees, a provision not included in the contracts of their recent first-round picks, such as Myles Murphy (2023) and Amarius Mims (2024). Stewart, frustrated by what he perceives as unfair treatment, has publicly expressed his discontent, stating, “I’m not asking for nothing y’all have never done before. But y’all just want to win arguments more than winning games in my opinion.”
The situation escalated when Stewart left the Bengals’ mandatory minicamp early on June 12, 2025, to avoid being a distraction to his teammates. His absence from the final day of minicamp sent shockwaves through the NFL, with analysts and fans alike questioning whether the Bengals’ hardball approach could backfire spectacularly.
Why the 49ers Are a Potential Destination
The San Francisco 49ers have emerged as a rumored trade destination for Stewart, with analysts like Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated suggesting they should inquire about the rookie. The 49ers, who were reportedly torn between Stewart and Mykel Williams at the 11th overall pick in the 2025 draft, are thin at defensive end and could benefit from Stewart’s high-ceiling potential. With injury concerns surrounding Williams, who has a history of playing through injuries like a high-ankle sprain in college, the 49ers may see Stewart as a valuable addition to bolster their defensive line.
Mitch Milani of Bleacher Report also named the 49ers, alongside the Carolina Panthers, as a potential landing spot for Stewart, noting his raw but promising skill set. A trade for Stewart could provide the 49ers with a long-term solution at a position of need, especially as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the NFC West.
The Bengals’ Dilemma
For the Bengals, trading Stewart would be a historic and unprecedented move. Unsigned draft picks can be traded until 30 days before the first game of the season, roughly the first week of August 2025. However, parting ways with a first-round pick before he even plays a snap would be a significant blow to the organization’s reputation and roster. The Bengals are already dealing with another contract dispute involving star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks last season and has vowed not to play under his current deal. Losing both players could cripple Cincinnati’s defense, which ranked 30th in defensive success rate and 29th in expected points allowed per play in 2024, according to TruMedia.
If Stewart refuses to sign, he could sit out the entire 2025 season and re-enter the 2026 NFL Draft, where any team except the Bengals could select him. This “nuclear option” would leave Cincinnati with no compensation for their first-round pick, a scenario described as “nearly impossible” due to the financial implications of Stewart forfeiting his $18.94 million, fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract.
Could a Trade Happen?
While a trade seems unlikely, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The 49ers could offer a package that tempts the Bengals, such as a combination of draft picks or a veteran player, to secure Stewart’s rights. However, posts on X suggest skepticism about the feasibility of such a deal, with one user, @49ers_Access, arguing that the Bengals would likely demand a first-round pick in return, which the 49ers “can’t, won’t & shouldn’t” part with given Stewart’s rawness and missed offseason reps.
On the other hand, the 49ers’ need for depth at defensive end and Stewart’s potential as a pass rusher could make the gamble worthwhile. The Bengals, under pressure to resolve the situation and avoid further embarrassment, might consider a trade if negotiations remain stalled. As one analyst noted, “The Bengals could trade his rights to another team that would be willing to change their own contract language, but that would have to be done by the first week of August. Don’t really see that happening.”
The Bigger Picture
The Stewart saga is not just about one player—it’s a reflection of broader issues within the Bengals’ organization. Former NFL star Robert Griffin III criticized Cincinnati for squandering goodwill built by signing stars like Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, accusing them of “trying to screw over” Stewart with the disputed clause. The Bengals’ insistence on altering contract language has drawn scrutiny, with some arguing it’s an unnecessary power play that could alienate a promising young talent.
For the 49ers, pursuing Stewart would be a bold move to capitalize on Cincinnati’s misstep. With a new defensive coordinator in Cincinnati, Lou Anarumo, aiming to turn around a struggling unit, and the 49ers looking to stay ahead in a competitive NFC, the stakes are high for both teams.
Conclusion
As the August trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether the Bengals and Stewart can resolve their impasse or if the 49ers—or another team—will make a play for the rookie. A blockbuster trade would be a rare and dramatic turn of events, potentially leaving the Bengals empty-handed and the 49ers with a high-upside addition to their roster. While the likelihood of Stewart re-entering the 2026 draft or being traded remains low, the ongoing drama ensures that this story is far from over. For now, the NFL world waits to see if Cincinnati can mend fences or if San Francisco will seize the opportunity to pull off a stunning coup.