The Cincinnati Bengals have a packed defensive end rotation and a secondary that needs help.
One trade proposal would use the former to address the latter.
A to Z Sports’ John Sheeran suggested sending Shemar Stewart to the New York Giants for slot cornerback Dru Phillips, a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 fourth-rounder.
The appeal is adding a slot defender would allow Dax Hill to move back outside, reducing the need to rely on reserves at boundary corner.
Sheeran noted that injuries to Jalen Davis and Ja’Sir Taylor have forced Cincinnati to rework its secondary. Phillips has allowed a 63.6 passer rating in coverage this season, according to his report.
Stewart, meanwhile, has played only 17 defensive snaps through five games, including eight against
Miami. His limited role makes him an interesting name for a hypothetical deal, although trading a young pass rusher would have obvious risk.
The Bengals would be exchanging developmental upside for faster help at a thinner position.
Despite the proposal, Sheeran also acknowledged that he doubts Cincinnati would entertain moving Stewart this early in his career.
Regardless, it presents a worthwhile deadline thought about how much the Bengals should sacrifice from a position of depth to strengthen their secondary.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals trade proposal sends Shemar Stewart to Giants
