Bengals' absurd trade speculation is music to Ravens fans' ears

It’s not every day you see a team contemplate trading its most explosive playmaker, especially one who’s single-handedly obliterated the Baltimore Ravens and other division rivals.

But here we are, watching Cincinnati Bengals fans (and apparently their front office) flirt with the idea of moving on from Ja’Marr Chase.

According to a report from Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, there’s legitimate buzz about the Bengals trading Chase this offseason to “reopen their Super Bowl window.”

I’m sorry, what Super Bowl window? Cincinnati is 4-8, sitting in third place in the AFC North, and their defense ranks somewhere between “nonexistent” and “please make it stop.” Sure, Joe Burrow is still elite, but the rest of this roster is in shambles. Now they want to trade away the only reason they’ve been competitive in games this year? Go ahead, Cincinnati. Be our guest.

The Ravens will benefit massively from a Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase trade

Here’s the thing: Ravens fans would be the first to volunteer as moving crew if it means Ja’Marr Chase leaves the division. The man has absolutely cooked Baltimore this season. In two matchups, Chase has racked up a ridiculous 21 catches, 457 yards, and five touchdowns. Five! In just two games!

The Week 5 overtime thriller was bad enough, with Chase torching the Ravens for 10 catches, 193 yards, and two touchdowns. Then came the Week 10 primetime showdown, where he somehow topped himself, going off for 11 catches, 264 yards, and three touchdowns. Chase wasn’t just a thorn in Baltimore’s side—he was the whole rose bush.

With those performances fresh in mind, the thought of the Bengals shipping Chase out of the AFC North is the kind of early holiday gift Ravens fans dream of.

The argument for trading Chase boils down to the Bengals trying to “rebuild” their roster. Look, we get it—paying Chase the $150+ million he’s going to command isn’t easy, especially for a team that just gave Joe Burrow a historic contract. But this isn’t Tyreek Hill 2.0.

The Chiefs traded Hill, knowing they still had the otherworldly Patrick Mahomes and an elite defense to help save them. Hill also had multiple years remaining on his contract and a litany of off-field issues clouding his playing status.

Let’s not ignore how much Chase means to their offense. He's second in the league in receiving yards (1,142) and first in touchdowns (13), while routinely making highlight-reel plays. This isn’t a player you replace with a couple of early-round picks and some bargain-bin free agents.

If Cincinnati actually pulls the trigger on a Chase trade, it’s a massive win for Baltimore. Not only would the Ravens no longer have to deal with his absurd production twice a year, but it would also weaken a divisional rival for the foreseeable future. The Bengals are already spiraling, and trading Chase would practically guarantee a long-term stay in the AFC North basement.

So please, Bengals, go ahead and trade the best wide receiver you’ve ever had (Chad Johnson debaters, welcome). Ravens fans will gladly hold the door open for him as he leaves.

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