With their sights set firmly on a Super Bowl run in 2025, the Detroit Lions are continuing to explore ways to strengthen their roster. Despite losing both coordinators—Ben Johnson on offense and Aaron Glenn on defense—to head coaching gigs elsewhere, head coach Dan Campbell remains at the helm, and the front office has made several notable offseason additions.
As the new season draws closer, there’s speculation around whether Detroit might still have another big move up their sleeve. One potential opportunity lies in Cincinnati, where the Bengals are at odds with their top 2025 draft pick, defensive lineman Shemar Stewart. The situation has escalated, and now there’s growing talk about whether the Lions could capitalize.
A Potential Deal for Stewart
Detroit Receives: Shemar Stewart
Cincinnati Receives: 2026 first-round draft pick
The Bengals selected Stewart with the 17th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, banking on his disruptive presence in the trenches. The Texas A&M product came into the league with a reputation as a versatile, high-upside interior lineman—just the kind of talent Cincinnati could use with uncertainty surrounding veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
However, the rookie contract negotiations have gone sideways. The Bengals reportedly added a controversial clause to Stewart’s deal that would cancel his guaranteed money in the event of off-field misconduct. Stewart balked, has yet to take the field, and even left mandatory minicamp early, with no agreement in sight.
Now Cincinnati is facing a difficult decision. Hendrickson’s contract extension is a more immediate concern, but Stewart’s refusal to report can’t be brushed aside. With the threat of a full-season holdout—or even Stewart re-entering the 2026 draft—the Bengals may be forced to choose: meet his terms or trade him.
Detroit would be a logical suitor.
Why the Lions Could Make a Move
The Lions will be excited to get Aidan Hutchinson back on the edge this year, but the rest of the defensive front still has holes. Veterans like Alim McNeil and D.J. Reader offer a steady presence on the interior, but edge rusher Marcus Davenport remains a gamble. Stewart’s ability to play multiple spots along the line could add a dynamic element Detroit’s defense currently lacks.
Should Cincinnati decide to move on from Stewart, the Lions have the draft capital to make a compelling offer. A future first-rounder—likely late in the round if Detroit has the season they expect—could be enough to entice the Bengals to cut ties with their unsettled rookie.
Would Both Teams Go for It?
Ideally, the Bengals would resolve the impasse and keep Stewart on board. But with the current stalemate, a trade might become inevitable. Recovering a first-round pick would help soften the blow, and if Detroit’s 2026 selection lands in the back half of the draft, it would still represent fair compensation.
For Detroit, this is a rare opportunity to grab a high-impact defender who wasn’t available when they made their pick in 2025. If they’re serious about making a deep postseason run, adding a talent like Stewart—essentially swapping a late first for a mid-first pick—could be the kind of aggressive move that makes all the difference.
