The Detroit Lions' defense has looked significantly better in recent weeks. They just got Brian Branch back on the field, and they opened Kerby Joseph's 21-day practice window, so even more help is on the way.
However, that doesn't mean Brad Holmes and his staff won't be looking around for more help. The offense is stacked, but they could certainly use more firepower on the other side of the field, especially for years to come.
That's why it's not much of a surprise to see ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler choosing the Lions as a potential fit for Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart. He was a first-round pick last season, but he might be up for grabs now.
Lions should take a chance on Shemar Stewart if the Bengals deal him
Stewart, the No. 18 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was a healthy inactive in the Bengals' last game. He's fallen behind in the pecking order behind star rookie Cashius Howell and Cedric Johnson, a former sixth-round pick.
The fact that a second-year first-rounder can't get on the field makes it seem like the Bengals are done with him. Trading him would cost them nearly $9 million, but this wouldn't be the first time they haven't seen eye to eye.
Stewart held out and missed most offseason workouts with a contract dispute right after the NFL Draft. He didn't hesitate to call out the front office, and their relationship clearly didn't start on the right foot. Now, after putting up underwhelming production, they might not want him anymore.
Of course, that might also be a red flag, but the upside is there. Once he refines his pass-rush arsenal, he can be the explosive headhunter scouts thought he would become in due time if he played in the right environment.
If the Bengals are truly done with him, it shouldn't take much to lure him away from Ohio. And while he probably wouldn't make an immediate impact, he has the potential and youth to be Aidan Hutchinson's partner in crime for years to come if he figures things out.
Some guys just need a change of scenery to find their footing and reach their potential. This move would obviously come with some risks, but maybe this is just the wake-up call he needs to get his career back on track and live up to his status as a former first-rounder.
Add us as a preferred source on Google