Ja'Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle teamed up in a high-profile training session on July 12, 2026, where the pair executed trick plays and refined route-running—highlighting Cincinnati’s depth at wide receiver.
The session, held at a private facility in Ohio, featured Chase—NFL’s 2025 receiving yards leader—passing to Waddle on designed plays that emphasized misdirection and timing. Both receivers showed off their elite arm talent, with Waddle’s 6’4” frame and 4.35-second speed drawing comparisons to Chase’s own explosive playmaking.
Who was involved?
Ja'Marr Chase, now a restricted free agent after Cincinnati’s 2025 playoff run, led the drills alongside Miami Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle. The two, both Pro Bowl performers, focused on play-action reads and deep-post routes. Waddle, recovering from a minor ankle sprain, worked on his route-breaking after missing the Dolphins’ first three preseason games.
Why does this matter for Ja'Marr Chase?
Chase’s involvement signals his intent to remain engaged in the NFL’s trick-play evolution. His 2025 season included 12 receptions of 30+ yards, with three coming on designed misdirection. The session also underscores his value as a mentor—Chase has privately coached younger receivers, including Tee Higgins in 2024. Teams scouting Waddle may now view Chase as a potential trade chip or extension leverage.
What’s next for Cincinnati’s offense?
The Bengals’ offensive scheme under Zac Taylor has leaned heavily on Chase’s versatility. If Waddle’s arm talent translates to NFL-level play-action, Cincinnati could explore a trade to pair him with Chase in 2027. Alternatively, Chase’s free agency looms—his 2026 contract could hinge on whether he’s willing to share the spotlight with a receiver of Waddle’s upside.
How does this compare to Chase’s 2025 season?
Last year, Chase set a franchise record with 1,847 receiving yards, including a 99-yard touchdown against the Ravens. His 2025 play-action success (14 catches for 210 yards) now serves as a benchmark for Waddle’s development. The training session suggests Chase’s influence extends beyond statistics—his route-running efficiency (72.4% YAC rate in 2025) remains a gold standard for NFL WRs.