Bengals projected starting defense in 2026 makes Shemar Stewart look like a bust already

The Cincinnati Bengals are undergoing some major changes on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, as Al Golden's unit needs to take a step in the right direction.

With a great offense led by Joe Burrow, the Bengals' defense needs to turn things around and match the offense. And this offseason was all about improving the defense. The projected starters look a lot better than they did last year.

However, in Gary Davenport of Bleacher Reports' projected starting defense for the Bengals, there is a notable lack of Shemar Stewart, as the 2025 first-rounder is already looking like a bust one year in.

Bengals' projected starting defense in 2026 doesn't include Shemar Stewart

"Defense... Edge: Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy," Davenport writes. "If rookie second-rounder Cashius Howell beats out Myles Murphy on the edge, the Bengals will have four new starters on the defensive line, headlined by Pro Bowl tackle Dexter Lawrence.

The trade for Dexter Lawrence using the No. 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and the free agent signing of Boye Mafe were the two big moves of the offseason. Jonathan Allen was a nice pickup as well to give Cincinnati two new interior DL options.

But, for Stewart, the 2025 first-round edge rusher, Murphy is projected as the starter, and the upside case with Cashius Howell, the team's 2026 second-round pick, has him as a possible starter by Week 1 over Stewart as well.

MORE: Boye Mafe signing might’ve been a mistake by the Bengals

Stewart played in eight games his rookie season, recording just one sack, one pass defended, 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits.

But, for the Bengals first-round pick from one year ago not being in the starting lineup despite the position being wide open, it's a sign that he's not living up to expectations in the NFL.

It might be too early to fully call Stewart a bust, as it's only been one season. He's not had much of a chance to prove his worth in the NFL just yet. And he's still only 22 years old.

He can easily change how he's viewed with a strong year two, but at least for now, with this projected starting defense not including Stewart, it's hard not to see Stewart as anything other than a bust. 

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