The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t get the season they were hoping for in 2025. A 6-11 finish left them on the outside looking in come playoff time, and for a team with talent on both sides of the ball, that stings. But amid the frustration, one player quietly turned in a breakout year that deserves more attention: third-year running back Chase Brown.
Brown, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, made the most of his opportunity this season-and then some. He led the team in carries (232), rushing yards (1,019), and rushing touchdowns (6), while also becoming a reliable weapon in the passing game.
He caught 69 passes-second-most on the team-for 437 yards and five receiving scores. That’s not just solid production; that’s a dual-threat back who gave the Bengals consistent value in both phases of the offense.
Now, as Brown enters the final year of his rookie contract, he’s made one thing clear: he wants to stay in Cincinnati.
“I would love to do something and be a part of this team,” Brown said when asked about a potential contract extension. “I don't want to go anywhere else.”
And why would he? Brown’s rise wasn’t just about stats-it was about trust.
Trust from the coaches, who gave him more designed touches. Trust from the quarterback, who looked his way often.
And trust in himself, as he grew more confident with each snap.
“Experience always plays [a factor] and just getting more comfortable,” Brown explained. “And the coaches trusted me.
More plays being called that are designed to go my way and allowed me to make more plays. That played a huge, huge part in it.”
That kind of growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s a reflection of a player who’s earned his role and a coaching staff that recognized it. But now comes the next question: will the Bengals reward that performance with a long-term deal?
Historically, Cincinnati hasn’t been quick to hand out extensions to players still under contract. But there have been exceptions.
The Bengals locked up quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins-three core pieces of their offense. And if the front office is serious about keeping Burrow happy, Chase Brown might be the next name to add to that list.
After all, Burrow himself said earlier this offseason that “something’s got to change” following another playoff miss-Cincinnati’s third in as many years.
One thing that hasn’t changed? The leadership at the top.
Head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin are still running the show. And from Brown’s perspective, that’s a good thing.
“I know [Taylor] and [Tobin] and everybody that makes those free agency decisions and drafting decisions will have the right mind and make the right decision for the team,” Brown said.
That’s a player who believes in the direction of the franchise-even after a tough year. And for a team looking to bounce back in 2026, keeping a productive, team-first player like Chase Brown in the fold might be exactly the kind of move that helps turn things around.