Stewart's Path to Bengals' D-Line Rotation

On April 1st, Bengals' first-round pick, Shamar Stewart, grabbed headlines last season

for his contract holdout more than his play.

His 2025 rickie year got derailed by the dispute and nagging injuries, keeping him off the

field for chunks of time.

Early on, a lingering ankle issue slowed him down, then a torn posterior cruciate ligament

in his left knee hit in week 9.

He suited up for just eight games with five starts, logging 53% of defensive snaps in

those outings.

On the stat sheet, it was slim pickings, one sack, four quarterback hits, and eleven tackles

total.

With free age in addition, Boyu Mayfe, and Miles Murphy, locked in his projected starters,

Stewart's path to everyday reps looks crowded.

Coach Zach Taylor's making it clear though, Stewart's growth is a top priority.

Signing Maffe doesn't dim those big expectations, the Bengals won him building toward a major

roll up front.

Death wins in elite defenses that push deep into playoffs, Taylor points out, with rotation

guys handling 40-50 snaps per game.

Plenty of chances there, for Stewart to step up as situations unfold.

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