NFL Teams Monitor Bengals Defensive End Shemar Stewart
As the trade deadline approaches, teams are eyeing the Cincinnati Bengals player for a potential deal.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
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NFL teams are tracking Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart for a potential trade. He is being monitored alongside Atlanta Falcons player Jessie Bates III as the league moves toward the upcoming deadline.
Why it matters
The interest stems from Stewart's limited role in the current Cincinnati defensive line rotation despite his status as a 2025 first-round draft pick. Simultaneously, other teams are exploring defensive additions to bolster their rosters.
Shemar Stewart has logged 17 defensive snaps this season with a 68.9 Pro Football Focus grade, while teammate Cedric Johnson has recorded 83 snaps. The Atlanta Falcons, who are monitoring defensive options, currently hold a 2-4 record.
The players
Shemar Stewart
He is a defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals who was a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jessie Bates III
He is an active NFL player who is currently being monitored by teams as a potential trade target before his 2027 free agency.
Cedric Johnson
He is a Cincinnati Bengals defender who has participated in significantly more defensive snaps than Stewart this season.
The details
Teams are reaching out with trade inquiries for Stewart, a first-round selection from 2025 who is currently not part of the primary defensive rotation. Meanwhile, the Falcons are also evaluating potential trade targets like Jessie Bates III as they look to improve their position.
Timeline
Shemar Stewart was selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Stewart has recorded his current snap count throughout October 2026.
The NFL trade deadline is set for November 10, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
Jessie Bates III is scheduled to become a free agent in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The trade interest in players like Shemar Stewart reflects the competitive maneuvering that occurs across the league as teams assess their playoff viability before the trade deadline. This activity often dictates the rotation depth and roster composition for the remainder of the season.
Stewart's low snap count suggests he currently holds limited value in standard fantasy football formats. A trade could lead to increased playing time and higher statistical output if he moves to a roster with a greater need for his specific skill set.
The takeaway
Teams frequently reevaluate their rosters in October to determine if young, high-draft-pick talent should be traded for more immediate production. Fans should monitor snap counts and team depth charts as clear indicators of which players may be available on the trade market.
What happens next
The NFL trade deadline will occur on November 10, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET, by which point all potential trades must be finalized.
Further reading
For more updates on player movements, visit the Football section.
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