Ja’Marr Chase may not make the playoffs, but he joined an elite group of wide receivers on Sunday night.
The Cincinnati Bengals star became the sixth wide receiver to win the Triple Crown in the Super Bowl era. Chase finished the year with 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 17 receptions, all career highs. He averaged 100.5 yards per game and was targeted 175 times.
“I’m telling you I’m off to a tremendous start,” Chase said Saturday on NFL Network when asked about the award. “There’s a lot more work to do, but so far I’m doing well.”
Chase is the first receiver to accomplish this feat since Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp in 2021. Others include Steve Smith (2005), Sterling Sharp (1992), Jerry Rice (1990), and Lance Alworth (1966). Chase, 24, is also the youngest player in league history to win the Triple Crown.
Chase is the first Bengals player to lead the league in all three categories. He knew going into Saturday’s regular season finale. He was drafted by Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. He led Brown with eight catches and led St. Louis with eight catches. He holds a four-receiving touchdown lead over Brown and Washington Commanders star Terry McLaurin. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson was closest in receiving yards, but had 133 before Week 18.
Chase was just shy of breaking Carl Pickens’ franchise record for most touchdowns in a single season. He needed two in Saturday’s 19-17 win over the Steelers but came home with just one. He leads the franchise in two other categories. The Bengals finished the season with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs for the second straight year.
This all comes after a contract dispute between Chase and the team last fall. He rejoined the team in time for Week 1 despite not signing a new long-term contract, and is set to make $21.8 million next year, the option year of his first rookie contract. Based on his performance on the field this season and how close he is to this mark already, Chase is sure to be the highest-paid wide receiver in the league when that happens. He got it.
