In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have reportedly traded their 2023 first-round pick, pass rusher Lukas Van Ness, along with a third-round draft pick, to the Cincinnati Bengals for disgruntled rookie edge defender Shemar Stewart. The trade, proposed by Bleacher Report’s Mitch Milani, addresses critical needs for both teams while highlighting the Bengals’ failure to sign their No. 17 overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft and the Packers’ willingness to take a gamble on untapped potential.
A Bold Move for Green Bay
The Packers’ decision to part ways with Van Ness, selected No. 13 overall just two years ago, underscores their dissatisfaction with his development as a pass rusher. While Van Ness has been solid against the run and a steady contributor, his lack of elite production has left Green Bay front office searching for a spark to elevate their defense. Enter Shemar Stewart, a 21-year-old edge rusher with jaw-dropping physical attributes and star potential.
Standing at an imposing 6’7” and weighing 267 pounds, Stewart boasts a rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness. His pre-draft measurements—a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical leap—turned heads at the NFL Combine, earning him first-round buzz despite a modest 4.5 sacks over three seasons at Texas A&M. Scouts and analysts believe Stewart’s limited college production belies his sky-high ceiling, making him an intriguing fit for a Packers defense in need of a game-changer.
“Green Bay needs to boost this pass rush, add some upside for this Packers defense, and Stewart might be a better fit for this current version of this Packers defense,” Milani, emphasizing Stewart’s potential to thrive in Green Bay’s aggressive defensive scheme.
Bengals’ Contract Woes Fuel the Trade
The trade stems from Cincinnati’s surprising inability to sign Stewart, their first-round pick in April 2025. Despite a rookie scale contract projected at roughly $19 million over four years with a fifth-year team option, negotiations between Stewart and the Bengals have stalled, creating a rare and contentious standoff. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently called out Cincinnati’s front office for their mishandling of the situation.
“It should be relatively simple to sign a first-round draft pick,” Schefter said on the June 12, 2025, episode of The Pat McAfee Show. The Bengals’ struggles are compounded by their ongoing contract dispute with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, the reigning NFL sack champion, which has strained team resources and focus.
With Stewart threatening to sit out his entire rookie season and reenter the 2026 NFL Draft, Cincinnati faced the prospect of losing a valuable asset for nothing. Trading him to an out-of-conference team like Green Bay for a proven player in Van Ness and additional draft capital became a pragmatic solution.
What Each Team Gains
For the Packers, the trade represents a high-risk, high-reward bet on Stewart’s untapped potential. If he develops into the dominant pass rusher his physical tools suggest, Green Bay could have a cornerstone defender for years to come. The cost of a third-round pick and Van Ness, who has yet to live up to his draft pedigree, is a calculated gamble for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Bengals acquire Van Ness, a reliable run defender who can contribute immediately alongside Hendrickson, assuming Cincinnati resolves their contract dispute with the veteran. The third-round pick provides additional flexibility in the 2026 draft, allowing the Bengals to address other roster needs.
NFL Reactions and What’s Next
The trade has sparked intense debate across the NFL landscape. Some analysts praise Green Bay for their bold move to acquire a player with Stewart’s upside, while others question whether the Packers gave up too soon on Van Ness. In Cincinnati, the deal has intensified scrutiny on head coach Zac Taylor and the front office, with fans and media questioning their ability to manage high-profile draft picks.
As training camp looms, all eyes will be on Stewart as he integrates into Green Bay’s defensive system. Can the young edge rusher translate his freakish athleticism into on-field dominance? And will Van Ness find new life in Cincinnati, proving the Packers wrong for moving on? Only time will tell, but this blockbuster trade has already reshaped the trajectory of both franchises.
For now, the NFL world is buzzing over Green Bay’s audacious swing for a disgruntled rookie with monster potential—a move that could define their 2025 season and beyond.