The Cincinnati Bengals need help at wide receiver.
Ja’Marr Chase suffered a high-profile injury during the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tee Higgins suffered an injury, too, although it was quieter because it happened late and he returned for a play before getting shut down.
No word on how long either Bengals star will be out just yet, but the 2-2 club probably doesn't want to run out with Dohnte Meyers and Mitch Tinsley as its top two options. Andrei Iosivas is on injured reserve and rookie Colbie Meyers is hurt too.
So, some free agent and trade options.
Trenton Irwin
How about an old friend? Getting someone like Trenton Irwin with a passing familiarity with the organization would make the transition quick. It’s not flashy, but Irwin spent 2019-2024 in Cincinnati
and, at the age of 30, still has something to offer as a depth option.
Curtis Samuel
A former Ohio State standout, Curtis Samuel has had problems staying healthy. He had a $24 million contract in Buffalo in 2024 but played in just six games in 2025 and was cut this past March. Taking a flier on him as a depth option or similar would be a smooth move at this point.
Jerry Jeudy
A trade with an AFC North rival is unlikely, but Jerry Jeudy is one of the more notable names out there obviously on the trade block. He’s a former first-round pick who has eight targets in four games with the Cleveland Browns this year. Getting his experience on the depth chart for relatively cheap could be a benefit over the next few weeks.
Marvin Harrison Jr.
This is the big one most might bring up. Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most prominent bust-watch picks in recent years. The fourth pick in 2024 hasn’t come close to meeting expectations. He caught a touchdown in Week 4, but we’re talking about just five catches on 12 targets through four games. He’s regressed from his rookie season and even looks lackadaisical on his routes. There’s a widespread belief, though, that a change of scenery might do him some good. The problem here might be asking price and the fact he’s on a top-five rookie contract. But it would provide a little spark in the fanbase, too, so who knows?
DeAndre Hopkins
This is the most realistic one. Fans couldn’t stop hearing all offseason about how DeAndre Hopkins wanted to play with Joe Burrow. Now’s the time. Hopkins is 34 and apparently trying his hand at coaching, but bringing him in for a workout and maybe a practice squad spot that results in a game-day elevation could make sense. He saw limited action last year in Baltimore and still caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two scores. Adding him as a current target and a fourth wideout once everyone is healthy would make a lot of sense, and it’s not like the contract would be huge, either.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals’ free agent, trade options after Chase, Higgins injuries
