Ja’Marr Chase Trusts Organization but Acknowledges Team’s Needs

Despite back to back disappointing seasons, Ja'Marr Chase remains optimistic about the Bengals chances in 2026, but at the same time he wants the front office to make some notable additions to the roster.

Ja’Marr Chase Trusts Organization but Acknowledges Team’s Needs

#1 Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • Ja'Marr Chase expresses confidence in the Bengals organization while highlighting the need for roster improvements.
  • The Bengals finished the season with a 6-11 record, extending their playoff drought to three years.
  • Chase emphasizes the importance of protecting quarterback Joe Burrow to maximize the team's potential for success.

Ja’Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals had another disappointing campaign, finishing 6-11 and third in the AFC North. This extended their playoff drought to three seasons. Failing to improve the roster increases the risk of missing out on postseason football next year as well.

On the occasion of adding his name to the “Fabletics” clothing brand, Chase sat down with Sports Illustrated and discussed the area of concern for the Bengals heading into the 2026 season. The All-Pro wide receiver did not mince his words. He said:

Yeah. I mean, everybody pretty much knows what we need. I’ve said it out in the media.

The Bengals offense, spearheaded by Chase, Tee Higgins, and quarterback Joe Burrow, is among the best in the league. Cincinnati finished sixth in passing offense, averaging 235.6 yards per game, and second in red-zone offense, converting 66.7% of their chances, only behind the Eagles at 70.5%.

In contrast, the Bengals ranked the second-worst defense out of 32 teams (only Washington was worse than Cincinnati). On average, they allowed the opposing team 380.9 yards per game and conceded 60 touchdowns (the most by any defense).

Defense is not Chase’s department. He took care of business on his end, racking up 1412 yards and scoring 8 touchdowns from 125 catches. He added:

I can’t control that, so all I have to do is control my production. I mean, at the end of the day, I’m just stating my opinion on what I think we need. So, you know, I sit back and let the organization do what they do.

The Bengals need to sort out the Trey Hendrickson situation and avoid committing the same drama as last year. Hendrickson stayed because the front office gave him a cut-price deal, which will end very soon. That said, Hendrickson’s health must be evaluated first before proceeding with the contract talks. After four straight Pro Bowl seasons, the veteran pass rusher’s season was cut short due to a freak injury in week 7. He still tied for the third most sacks on the team, 1.5 sacks behind leader Myles Murphy.

Cincy has the luxury of placing a franchise tag on Hendrickson, but they will likely part ways unless there’s a hefty extension by the end of the training camp. Luckily, the Bengals are estimated to have the seventh most cap space (Over The Cap), and they also have the 10th overall pick in the draft to add a generational talent.

Ja’Marr Chase makes his stance clear on critics claiming that the Bengals are wasting the prime years of Joe Burrow

Burrow won his second Comeback Player of the Year after tossing 43 touchdowns, 4918 yards, and 460 completions in 2024. He delivered on the same level at the start of 2025, completing 66.8% of his passes for 1809 yards and 17 touchdowns and conceding only 5 INTs in eight starts. The Bengals went 5-3.

Ja’Marr Chase Trusts Organization but Acknowledges Team’s Needs
Ja’Marr Chase (Image via IMAGO)

However, he fell victim to playing behind the fifth-worst (NFLlines) offensive line in the league. Burrow’s numbers speak for themselves. A healthy Burrow is a threat to every NFL defense, but even the best player feels helpless behind a leaky line.

Critics quickly pointed fingers at the hire-ups for refusing to reinforce the line, leaving Burrow exposed. This has siphoned away some of the best years of the former first overall pick’s career. Chase said:

Everybody has an opinion at the end of the day, and an opinion sometimes just is a right to be heard. But I can’t judge people on what they feel. I know all I can do is control what I can control, and that’s my play. And what my play does is only how far I can lead the team to success or not.

The Bengals must ensure that Burrow doesn’t end up like Andrew Luck or David Carr and provide him with quality players so that they can challenge for the Super Bowl once again.

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