49ers Urged to Consider Trade for Unsigned Draft Pick Amid Contract Dispute

The San Francisco 49ers attacked the defensive side of the ball during the 2025 NFL Draft, as they used their first five picks on defensive players. And now, ahead of training camp, they could have a unique opportunity to swing a trade that would land them another first-round defensive lineman from the 2025 draft.

Of those first five picks, four were used to address the 49ers front seven, with Mykel Williams being the team’s first-round selection with the No. 11 overall pick. One player the team passed up on at that spot was Shemar Stewart, who currently finds himself in the middle of a high-profile contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals. With no end in sight, San Francisco has been urged to swing a deal for the No. 17 overall pick.

Why 49ers Could Trade For Shemar Stewart

Stewart starred during his collegiate career with the Texas A&M Aggies, with his elite physical profile helping him become a first-round pick. In 2024, Stewart racked up 31 tackles, six of which went for a loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes batted, and a forced fumble at the defensive tackle position for Texas A&M. With the Bengals looking to shore up their interior defensive line, they selected Stewart with hopes that he could anchor the unit for years to come.

The problem is that Stewart hasn’t signed his rookie contract with Cincinnati. Making matters even worse, he’s refused to participate in any of the team’s practices, while also publicly calling out the front office in the process. The Bengals have reportedly included language in Stewart’s contract that would void future guarantees in his deal if he were to get in trouble off the field, and unsurprisingly, the former Aggie isn’t a fan of that.

Rarely does this sort of dispute flare up with rookies, but Stewart and Cincinnati may be closing in on the point of no return after he left mandatory minicamp a day early due to his contract situation. With that in mind, Stewart could hit the trade block in the near future, and if that happens, Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated thinks San Francisco should make a serious offer for him.

“The 49ers might need Stewart,” Cohn wrote. “That’s because their first-round pick, Mykel Williams, is injured already. He missed the second week of OTAs plus all of minicamp with a hamstring injury. Last season, he had a high-ankle sprain that limited his productivity. In addition, veteran defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos missed all the spring practices as well. That’s a big reason the 49ers traded for Bryce Huff.”

“A team never can have too many defensive linemen, and the 49ers currently don’t have enough. They’re thin at the position. Don’t be surprised if they call up the Bengals and make an offer for Stewart.”

Should 49ers Trade For Shemar Stewart?

Getty| Shemar Stewart’s decision to hold out from rookie minicamp hasn’t made him popular among Bengals fans

Even with their investment in the front seven during the draft, the 49ers could still use help along their defensive line heading into the new season. Stewart is a rookie, yes, but he has a track record of success during his time in college, which is why he was a first-round pick. Plus, with all the injuries the team is currently dealing with, they could certainly use all the help they can get at this spot.

Given how the Bengals used their first-round pick on Stewart, they are going to want to avoid trading him unless they absolutely have to. No end appears to be in sight, though, and if they finally decide to cut their losses on their rookie first rounder, the Niners should be one of the first teams calling them.