​The Cincinnati Bengals entered 2025 with the expectation that their receiving corps would post a big season after the top three pass-catchers signed new contracts or extensions. Yet Joe Burrow’s toe injury, a string of costly turnovers, and other misfortunes disrupted the plan, and things didn’t unfold as hoped. Ja’Marr Chase, coming off a triple-crown campaign and a substantial extension, drew more targets than ever, but the increased volume didn’t translate into proportional production. Even Chase has shifted away from writing down statistical goals on his mirror, acknowledging the challenge of topping his 2024 numbers. Tee Higgins, who stayed healthy in the first year of his new deal but still saw a decline in production, has also refocused on the ultimate objective: winning championships.
For Cincinnati to accomplish its aims, the receivers must regain the explosiveness that made them so dangerous. Tight end Mike Gesicki, who re-signed ahead of the 2025 season, has more in him, and adding competition at the No. 3 receiver spot could benefit Andrei Iosivas as he takes the next step. All eyes are also on rookie Colbie Young to see what he might contribute. Below we review the Bengals’ wide receivers and tight ends’ past performances and examine how they are expected to stack up in 2026, incorporating analysis and data from Pro Football Focus and other outlets. This piece is the third in a series breaking down Cincinnati’s position groups; next up is the offensive line.
Wide receivers on the roster
Starters: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas
Reserves: Charlie Jones, Mitch Tinsley, Colbie Young
Others in the mix: Dohnte Meyers, Jordan Moore, Kendric Pryor, Xavier Johnson, Noah Thomas, Ke’Shawn Williams
Chase by the numbers
2025 stats: 1,412 yards, 8 touchdowns on 125 receptions and 185 targets (11.3 yards per reception)
PFF grades for 2025: Chase ranked fourth among 81 qualifying wide receivers with an overall grade of 90.1 and also fourth in receiving grade at 90.1.
PFF ranking for 2026: Going into 2025, Chase was third of 32 wide receivers in PFF rankings, but projections for 2026 had not yet been released at publication time. Fantasy projections from PFF place him second, behind Puka Nacua.
Higgins by the numbers
2025 stats: 846 yards, 11 touchdowns on 59 catches and 98 targets (14.3 yards per catch)
PFF grades for 2025: Higgins ranked 16th of 81 qualifying wide receivers with an overall grade of 80.1 and 17th in receiving grade at 80.2.
PFF ranking for 2026: Higgins was 14th of 32 wide receivers in PFF’s 2025 rankings, but 2026 projections had not been released at publication. Fantasy projections from PFF place him 18th.
Iosivas by the numbers
2024 stats: 435 yards, 2 touchdowns on 33 receptions and 58 targets (13.2 yards per catch)
PFF grades for 2025: Iosivas ranked 78th of 81 qualifying receivers with an overall grade of 53.7 and 79th in receiving grade at 53.8.
As Cincinnati evaluates the group, the plan hinges on getting back to the form that made the Bengals difficult to stop. The addition of Gesicki and the potential breakout of Iosivas and Young give the offense upside, but the coaching staff will need to maximize efficiency, limit turnovers, and sustain big-play capability from the receiver room to reach the 2026 goals.