Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back Chase Brown could have a much bigger role as a sophomore.
That much seems obvious given Brown’s explosive plays over the second half of the season, but for fans, it probably sure doesn’t hurt to see coaches confirm it, too.
CLNS Media’s Mike Petraglia summed up a recent meeting with Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan on this topic well: “Callahan says Chase Brown has shown the ability to be explosive and the potential to be a big contributor to the offense next year after a full offseason where the focus is totally on learning the scheme and his role in it.”
That’s a big endorsement for Brown, who has averaged better than four yards per carry and 11.2 yards per catch on limited catches after joining the team in the fifth round and battling an injury.
It’s too early to suggest Brown might develop into the every-down back for next season. It is worth wondering, though, if the Bengals will use the out in Joe Mixon’s contract, with his current 2024 cap hit north of $8 million.
Right now, Brown certainly has an advantage in terms of age, cost and experience in the system against any other players they might add over the offseason.
