Cincinnati is in the news again, this time for a comment that Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase made recently that has been turning heads. There was a big trade in the NFL this week when veteran edge rusher Myles Garrett was traded from fellow AFC North rival the Cleveland Browns to the Sean McVay-led Los Angeles Rams. The talk of Garrett being traded had been looming throughout the offseason. One has to think that any quarterback in the AFC North would be thrilled with that news, knowing they no longer have to fear being sacked by Garrett several times a year. Chase, however, did not seem to care one way or another whether Garrett got traded.
Bengals Wide Receiver Is Not Phased By Trade
Chase certainly did not hide his feelings on the matter of Garrett leaving the division for the NFC West.
“Good for us. I don’t really care, but good for us,” Chase said to a group of reporters.
I asked Ja'Marr Chase about his thoughts on the Myles Garrett trade.
While it wasn't necessarily on his mind, he and Tee Higgins had the same response:
"Good for us."#Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/WGGcz920Mo
— Noelle Blumel (@NoelleBlumel) June 2, 2026
The Bengals’ wide receiver was then asked how he initially felt about the trade, and did not have much else to say on the matter.
“Yay, and then back to practice,” Chase said. “I mean, I really don’t care at the end of the day.”
Chase Seems Focused on the Game and Not Individual Players
Chase’s words do not reflect any level of fear about who is lining up against him on Sundays. If it’s an All-Pro corner or a premium pass rusher affecting the pocket, the Bengals’ wide receiver seems to believe Cincinnati’s offense can get it done no matter what, or perhaps his words reflect a true feeling, considering who is on his team.
Modern Players Have Less Polished Answers
Chase’s response also feels representative of how many modern athletes handle media questions today. Rather than offering a polished answer filled with clichés about respecting opponents and wishing everyone the best, players are increasingly willing to say exactly what they think.
The Bengals’ wide receiver did not appear concerned about how his comments might be perceived because his focus is on Cincinnati, not another team’s roster decisions. Whether fans agree with his stance or not, the quote came across as an honest reflection of a player who is more worried about winning football games than providing a politically correct answer.
Garrett Leaving the AFC North is Good News for Some
While Garrett leaves some shoes that are difficult to fill in Cleveland, one thing is for certain, and that is that Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, and Steelers signal call Aaron Rodgers can rest a bit easier this season. Not having to line up against Garrett at least twice a year may add years to their career. Garrett is known to be one of the most aggressive and hardest-hitting edge rushers in the league.
That reality likely helps explain why Chase was so unfazed by the trade. His response was not necessarily a sign of disrespect toward Garrett, but rather the confidence of a player who believes Cincinnati can compete with anyone. At the same time, there is no reason for the Bengals to pretend losing one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders from the division is anything but a positive development. The Bengals wide receiver may not “really care” where Garrett plays next, but there is little doubt the Bengals would rather see him wearing a Rams uniform than lining up across from them twice every season.
