Talks around the New York Jets potentially reuniting with Aaron Rodgers have stirred up quite the buzz, with the ripple effects potentially reaching far beyond the Big Apple. One developing narrative involves star receiver Garrett Wilson, a force to be reckoned with since his Ohio State days, who might seek a change of scenery should Rodgers return. The locker room dynamics with Rodgers have reportedly not been the smoothest, raising concerns among Jets players.
As whispers about Wilson circulate, one team that should be keeping a keen eye on the situation is the Cincinnati Bengals. They recently made a bold move by transitioning from beloved slot receiver Tyler Boyd to Andrei Iosivas. While Iosivas has shown promise, there’s an underlying sense that the Bengals crave more fireworks from their slot position.
The Bengals’ offensive strategy is in a pivotal phase, with contract extensions for rising superstar Ja’Marr Chase at the top of their agenda. Meanwhile, Tee Higgins, who played under the franchise tag this season, is set to test unrestricted free agency next year. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been vocal about the importance of keeping both Chase and Higgins onboard to maintain the potency of Cincinnati’s offense. Yet, there’s a lingering question about how to fill that void for a dependable third option underneath.
Enter the intriguing possibility: If Wilson indeed becomes available, Cincinnati could orchestrate a blockbuster trade. Picture this: sending Iosivas along with a second or third-round pick, and perhaps even throwing in Myles Murphy to sweeten the deal, to the Jets. The prospect of lining up Chase and Higgins on the outside with Wilson manning the slot, all while working with a revamped offensive line? It’s tantalizing. The Bengals might just fashion the most formidable passing offense in the league with such a maneuver.
While it’s all a “what if” scenario at this moment, the Bengals’ front office should certainly keep their ears to the ground. The potential addition of Wilson, coupled with maintaining their core offensive personnel, could push Cincinnati into a new stratosphere of offensive firepower. The mix of strategic acquisitions and star retention could be the formula to firmly establish them as a perennial powerhouse in the NFL.
