Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’marr Chase smiles as he takes questions during a press conference to announce the signing of new contracts for receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Chase becomes the new highest-paid non-quarterback player in the NFL. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Pro Football Focus Ranks Bengals Wide Receiver Corps Outside NFL's Top Two

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 9:43 AM ET

The Bengals have one of the best wide receiver units in the NFL, but not the best, according to Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema.

He ranked the unit third behind Philadelphia and Tampa Bay this week.

"The duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins does the heavy lifting for the Bengals' receiving corps, but there are few other better pass-catching units," Sikkema declared. "Chase was the triple-crown winner last season and earned an 84.9 PFF receiving grade, which would have been in the elite category had he not dropped 13 passes. Higgins added an 88.3 PFF receiving grade in a contract year.

"Chase Brown is a good receiver out of the backfield, posting a 76.8 PFF receiving grade in 2024, while Mike Gesicki had one of his better seasons with 1.55 yards per route run — his best average since 2020. Cincinnati's team-wide 80.3 PFF receiving grade in 2024 ranked seventh in the NFL."

The entire unit could get another depth boost if Jermaine Burton continues figuring out his career like signs have shown this offseason.

All in all, the passing attack is clearly Cincinnati's top strength entering the 2025 season.