The Cincinnati Bengals didn't make many moves this offseason. After missing the playoffs for a third straight year, the team rephased its defense, and players have now doubled down on a roster built to compete now.

According to ESPN, that approach has not gone unnoticed inside the locker room. Speaking during the offseason workouts, star receiver Ja'Marr Chase said his team's expectations have only grown following the addition made on defense.

“At the end of the day, we got to the Super Bowl in '21 and never went back,” Chase said on Tuesday. “So, expectations have always been high since 2021. But now that we have improved our defense a little more, the (championship) expectations have gone up for the defense to show us what they could do.”

The Bengals added several notable defensive players this offseason, including Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen, Bryan Cook, Kyle Dugger, and Boye Mafe, with their total defensive overhaul around the $300 million mark.

Chase also talked about the time he had spent during the Pro Bowl Games encouraging players to consider Cincinnati in free agency.

“The moves they made are showing us they want to be with us, too,” Chase said on Tuesday. “They want to push us and help us be at the next level.”

Meanwhile, fellow receiver Tee Higgins talked about a similar message after securing his long-term extension. Higgins stressed that individual achievements are no longer the focus.

“I feel like we did everything we needed to do [when it comes to] personal accolades,” Higgins said on Tuesday. “Now, we've got to win championships. That's the main goal.”

With the roaster strengthened and expectations rising, Cincinnati's focus appears firmly set on getting back into championship contention. With that buzz growing, talks about surprise plays have also surfaced.

Zac Taylor's Ja'Marr Chase Comment Sparks Talk of Surprise Bengals Play in 2026

Ja'Marr Chase has already built one of the most impressive track records of any receiver in the league, but Bengals head coach Zac Taylor recently hinted at a different challenge that could be waiting for the star playmaker, according to Si.

“Throw some passes?” Taylor said on Thursday when asked what could be next for Chase after his long list of achievements.

Cincinnati has never been afraid to get creative on offense. The Bengals have previously called trick plays involving non-quarterbacks, including Joe Mixon's touchdown pass to Tee Higgins in Super Bowl LVI.

Taylor's remarks came while discussing Chase's continued commitment during offseason workouts. Despite already being one of the NFL's most prolific receivers, the Bengals coach notes that Chase continues to put in the work.

“He's always working,” Taylor said on Thursday. “When he steps on the field, there's just such an explosion there and confidence.”

The Bengals have moved Chase all over the formations throughout his career, lining him up outside, in the slot, and even in the backfield.

“We've been very creative,” Taylor said on Thursday. “We've obviously found ways to get him the ball.”

With Chase continuing to expand his game, the possibility of another wrinkle in Cincinnati's offense may not be completely off the table.

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote