Cincy Jungle on Chase Brown
From the article
Chase Brown, one of the NFL's best running backs who's still on a rookie contract... The 2023 fifth-round pick out of Illinois has amassed 2,806 scrimmage yards and 22 total touchdowns over the last two seasons... And while Brown is good, he's not in the elite tier of running backs like Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Derrick Henry... He's now 26 years old (turns 27 next March) and already has 642 plays from scrimmage in the NFL.
STACKED’s take
Brown likely stays on rookie deal; age 26 with heavy usage history limits extension appeal.
Fifth-round 2023 pick still on rookie contract despite strong production: 2,806 scrimmage yards and 22 total touchdowns over last two seasons; positioned for potential best year yet behind upgraded Bengals offensive line. However, extension unlikely due to league-wide devaluation of running back position—smaller two- to three-year deals now norm even for top backs. Brown not in elite tier with Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, or Derrick Henry. Major concern: significant wear on tires; 734 plays from scrimmage in college (328 rushes senior year) plus 642 NFL plays already at age 26 (turns 27 March 2027). Apex Fantasy Leagues study shows sharp decline in running back peak seasons after age 27; even two-year extension would have Brown turning 28 before 2028 season, creating real risk extension doesn't pay off for salary-capped Bengals.
Chase BrownRB · CINPlayer page — value, ADP, projections, and every insight