Wild trade proposal would let Vikings steal rookie trapped in dysfunction

The Minnesota Vikings likely aren't done assembling their roster for the 2025 NFL season. They will still look to bring in as much talent as possible whether that means signing a free agent or making a deal for a talented individual.

Players can have a wide range of issues that can lead to a trade. Sometimes it is unhappiness with a role or playing time. Sometimes it is a matter of the contract the player is on. Either way, a situation can get unpleasant pretty fast.

The Cincinnati Bengals are experiencing a contract issue with rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart. A standoff is happening between Stewart and the team that selected him at No. 17 overall during the 2025 NFL Draft.

A wild trade proposal would send Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart to the Minnesota Vikings

The Bengals may look to move on from Shemar Stewart if they can't reach a resolution. If that's the case, it wouldn't be shocking for the Minnesota Vikings to show interest in the six-foot-five, 267-pound defender.

Here is a trade proposal shared by Fantasy Life’s Thor Nystrom on X:

Who says no?

Vikings get: Shemar Stewart

Bengals get: Walter Rouse, Levi Drake Rodriguez, 2026 R2, 2027 R4

A second-round pick and a fourth-round selection in 2027 paired with offensive tackle Walter Rouse and defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez is a solid package to put together to try to acquire Shemar Stewart.

Although edge rush isn't a massive need for the Vikings, it would be silly not to be interested in a young player with as much potential as Stewart. At the combine, he tested very well athletically but lacked the numbers that are usually associated with a first-round pick.

If a team can harness his ability and work with him to develop his skills, they could have a real gem in Stewart. Minnesota would have that opportunity since they could have him learn behind Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and even Dallas Turner.

The only question is if the Minnesota Vikings see enough future value in Shemar Stewart to put together a package that includes two solid draft picks and two players who have shown potential for the purple and gold. If they do, it wouldn't be shocking to see the team make a push to acquire him. If not, expect the current group of edge rushers to hold down the fort in 2025 and beyond.