**National Writer: Cincinnati Bengals Should Trade Ja’Marr Chase to Extend Super Bowl Window**
The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads in their pursuit of NFL supremacy. With a talented roster headlined by quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and a stout defense, the team has built a strong foundation for the future. However, the window for winning a Super Bowl is narrow, and the decisions made in the coming years will shape the franchise’s legacy for generations.
While trading Ja’Marr Chase seems unthinkable to many fans and analysts, it could be a strategic move that could extend the Bengals’ Super Bowl window. In this article, we will explore why the Bengals might consider trading one of the league’s brightest young stars and what the potential benefits could be for the team.
### 1. **The Burrow-Chase Connection: Elite but Costly**
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase’s connection has been one of the most electric pairings in the NFL since Chase entered the league in 2021. The duo quickly formed a bond that made the Bengals offense one of the most potent in the NFL. Chase’s explosive ability, route running, and game-breaking skills have made him a perennial Pro Bowler and a nightmare for opposing defenses. Together, Burrow and Chase led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021, narrowly falling to the Los Angeles Rams.
However, with Burrow on the brink of signing a massive extension, the Bengals face the reality of becoming salary cap strapped. Burrow’s contract extension is expected to be worth upwards of $50 million per year, which would place significant pressure on the Bengals’ ability to retain key players. Given the salary cap constraints, keeping both Burrow and Chase at premium salaries may not be sustainable long-term, especially when considering the need to reinforce other areas of the roster.
Chase’s contract, while still in its rookie years, is on a trajectory to become one of the highest-paying wide receiver deals in the NFL once his rookie contract expires in 2024. The Bengals will face a difficult decision: paying Burrow and Chase both top-tier salaries, or using that money to extend and fortify other positions that could provide more value to the team. Trading Chase could be the painful but strategic solution to freeing up the necessary cap space to surround Burrow with a more balanced roster.
### 2. **Building Through Depth: The Importance of Team Balance**
While Ja’Marr Chase is undeniably a generational talent, football is a team sport. The Bengals need to strike a delicate balance between securing star players and maintaining a well-rounded roster that can compete at the highest level. With Burrow at the helm, the offense is potent, but there are other areas that need attention, including the offensive line, running back, and defense.
The Bengals have already made strides to bolster their offensive line by signing key free agents like La’el Collins and Alex Cappa. However, the line still lacks the consistent dominance needed to keep Burrow upright in high-pressure situations. The defense, while solid, could benefit from further investment in both the pass rush and secondary. Additionally, the Bengals’ running game, though effective with Joe Mixon, could use a more dynamic and versatile threat to complement the passing attack.
By trading Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals could receive a significant package of draft picks and/or established players. The draft picks could be used to address areas of need, such as securing a top-tier offensive lineman or bolstering the defensive front. Furthermore, the Bengals could target a veteran wide receiver who offers a more well-rounded skill set at a lower price point. While it may seem like a risk, the reality is that NFL teams often find success through depth rather than relying on a singular star player.
### 3. **NFL Trends: Super Bowl-Winning Teams Are Built Around Quarterbacks, Not Wide Receivers**
Looking at recent Super Bowl-winning teams reveals a clear trend: quarterbacks, rather than wide receivers, are the foundation of championship rosters. The Kansas City Chiefs, who have been the league’s dominant team in recent years, have proven that a star quarterback—Patrick Mahomes—can carry the team, even when the receiving corps fluctuates. Mahomes won his first Super Bowl with a receiving corps that included journeyman Sammy Watkins and a breakout performance by rookie Mecole Hardman, with star tight end Travis Kelce being the primary target. Despite not having an elite wide receiver, the Chiefs’ success stemmed from Mahomes’ ability to elevate the offense.
The San Francisco 49ers, who reached the Super Bowl in 2020, boasted a solid wide receiver group but were ultimately held back by their quarterback play. Jimmy Garoppolo, while serviceable, couldn’t match the elite level of play needed to seal the deal on the biggest stage. In contrast, the teams that have thrived in recent years—like the Chiefs, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles—have been powered by top-tier quarterbacks who elevated those around them.
The Bengals, with Joe Burrow, already have the most important piece for a Super Bowl run in place. While Chase is an outstanding receiver, there are other ways to build a formidable offense. The Bengals’ primary focus should be ensuring Burrow has all the pieces he needs to succeed. With that in mind, trading Chase could open the door for more flexibility in assembling a well-rounded, championship-caliber team.
### 4. **The Case for Trading Ja’Marr Chase: Long-Term Flexibility**
If the Bengals were to trade Ja’Marr Chase, they would instantly open up a world of possibilities in terms of cap space and roster flexibility. A trade could net the Bengals multiple first-round draft picks, which would allow them to reload on talent and potentially acquire a top-tier pass rusher, offensive lineman, or other key contributors. Moreover, trading Chase would allow the Bengals to maintain their financial flexibility in the years to come, particularly as Burrow’s new contract kicks in.
The Bengals could also use the trade to address their need for a more balanced offensive attack. While Chase is a dynamic playmaker, his skill set is somewhat redundant with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd already on the roster. Higgins has proven himself as a capable number-two option, and Boyd remains a reliable target in the slot. The Bengals could trade Chase for an established number-one wide receiver or another piece that complements their current roster better.
The NFL is a league where quick turnarounds are possible. The Bengals have already demonstrated that they can build a contender in a short amount of time, and trading Chase could help ensure that the franchise remains competitive for years to come. By acquiring the right assets, the Bengals could be well-positioned to make another deep playoff run in the near future, while also keeping their Super Bowl window open for as long as possible.
### 5. **The Emotional Element: Why Bengals Fans Should Brace for Tough Decisions**
Of course, trading Ja’Marr Chase would be an emotional decision. Chase is not just a star player; he’s become a fan favorite, embodying the hope and promise of a new era for the Bengals. The thought of trading away a player who has delivered some of the most iconic moments in recent Bengals history is understandably difficult for fans to accept.
However, NFL teams are in the business of winning championships, not just being fan favorites. The franchise must make decisions that are in the best interest of long-term success, even if they come at the cost of short-term satisfaction. For Bengals fans, the goal should be to see their team win a Super Bowl—and if trading Ja’Marr Chase is what it takes to achieve that, then the move should be seriously considered.
### Conclusion
The Cincinnati Bengals are on the cusp of greatness, with a core group of young stars and a talented quarterback in Joe Burrow. However, the NFL is a brutal, competitive league, and the window for championship contention is always shifting. Trading Ja’Marr Chase may seem counterintuitive, but it could be the move that ultimately ensures the Bengals’ Super Bowl window stays open for the long term.
By trading Chase, the Bengals could free up the necessary cap space to build a more balanced, deeper roster. They could leverage the trade for draft picks and other assets that would strengthen their defense, offensive line, and overall team depth. While the idea of parting ways with such a generational talent is hard to swallow, the Bengals must consider what it will take to get over the hump and secure that elusive Super Bowl championship.
In the end, championships are won not just with star players, but with complete teams. If the Bengals can make the right moves, even if it means trading Ja’Marr Chase, they may just have the best chance of securing a title and solidifying their place among the NFL’s elite teams for years to come.