Ja'Marr Chase looking on during game.Ja’Marr Chase (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
A new betting favorite has emerged to land Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase if he gets traded in the offseason.

The Bengals and Ja’Marr Chase were unable to agree on a new contract before the start of the 2024 season. The Bengals are a notoriously budget-conscious organization, and with Chase putting together the best season of his career, some wonder if owner Mike Brown will end up trading his star wideout.

Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) and CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) signed lucrative extensions in the offseason worth $140 million and $136 million, respectively. Both deals carry four-year terms.

So it’s safe to guess that Chase would want something in the $35-40 million range. And if the Bengals are unable to give Chase that, they’d have no problem finding clubs willing to pay a king’s ransom for him via trade.

According to the Bovada sportsbook, the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers are a co-betting favorite to acquire Ja’Marr Chase via trade.

The Steelers have an established No. 1 wide receiver in George Pickens, but adding a player like Chase would take their offense to another level. Pittsburgh continues to look for another play-making wideout to help Pickens, having traded WR2 Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in the offseason.

Over his first 13 games of 2024, the 25-year-old Ja’Marr Chase has 93 receptions for 1,319 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has eclipsed the 80-catch and 1,000-yard marks in each of his first four seasons.

Bengals Probably Wouldn’t Trade Ja’Marr Chase To A Division Rival

Even if the Bengals make the bold and risky decision to shop Chase, it’s hard to envision them trading the superstar wideout to a division rival. Pittsburgh has re-emerged as a Super Bowl contender behind the strong play of quarterback Russell Wilson, and adding Chase would put Pittsburgh well ahead of the AFC North competition for years to come.

At the end of the day, Cincy’s best bet is to pay Chase the cash that he’s worth. Finding another player who can take over games like him is easier said than done.