Steelers Now Betting Favorites To Land Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase

The Pittsburgh Steelers were entangled in several wide receiver sagas throughout the entire 2024 offseason. Their search for a reliable pass catcher didn't truly end until they traded for Mike Williams, adding much-needed depth to the receiving corps. While Williams will certainly help the Steelers in the 2024 season, he is only under contract for the remainder of the year, leaving Pittsburgh in a similar situation next offseason. With questions about the future of their wide receiver group, the Steelers could find themselves looking for another big-name addition.

One potential game-changer that would ignite excitement in Steeler Nation is the chance to land Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, Chase has been a central figure in the Bengals' offensive success. However, with the Bengals facing a number of critical issues, wide receiver isn't necessarily their top priority moving forward. This could create an opportunity for the Steelers to make a move for Chase if the Bengals opt not to pay him as the highest-paid receiver in the league.

The latest odds released by popular Sportsbook Bovada indicate that the Steelers have legitimate chances (+750 odds) to land Chase if he eventually hits the open market. The Steelers are tied for the second-best odds, just behind the Bengals, suggesting that Pittsburgh could be a serious contender in the Chase sweepstakes. If the Steelers can make a compelling case for the superstar wideout, it could be the move that elevates their offense for years to come.

The first point that needs to be made clear is that the real chance the Steelers land Chase is still slim. Chase has already accumulated 93 catches for 1,319 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, numbers that are not only historic, but also a testament to his incredible talent. However, despite his dominance, the Bengals may be hesitant to commit to paying him a massive contract, especially given the strain it would put on their salary cap.

Even with Chase’s brilliance in the 2024 season, the Bengals are currently 5-8, with their playoff hopes all but gone. The team has significant areas that need improvement, and despite having two of the NFL's top wide receivers in Chase and Tee Higgins, they’ve struggled to win games. Higgins, who is playing on the franchise tag, is another issue the Bengals must address. With the need to allocate resources toward bolstering their defense, the future of Chase in Cincinnati is far from certain.

Steelers' Odds To Land Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase Revealed

While it’s not guaranteed that the Steelers will even be in the market for Chase, this situation creates a viable opportunity for them. Currently, Pittsburgh is tied with the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Cleveland Browns at +750 odds to acquire Chase. These teams are the leading external contenders, but the Bengals remain the favorites. If Cincinnati struggles to balance their financial commitments, the Steelers could find a path to bring Chase to Pittsburgh.

The Steelers will also need to make a decision about the future of their own star wide receiver, George Pickens. After the 2025 season, Pickens' rookie contract will be up, and if the Steelers want to keep him as part of their long-term plans, they’ll need to offer him a significant extension. 

If the team pursues a player like Chase, it could signal the end of Pickens' time in Pittsburgh beyond his rookie deal. With so many moving pieces at play, it’s interesting to see the Steelers already being mentioned among the top contenders in the Chase sweepstakes this early in the process. All eyes will be on the Bengals to watch how they navigate a tricky situation with two star wide receivers needing paid. 

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