Rob Gronkowski has just changed his mind… again. Just two weeks after crowning Puka Nacua as “the best wide receiver in the NFL,” the four-time Super Bowl champion has now handed that title to Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase.
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But why this sudden change? It’s likely because Chase has been the lone bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent Bengals offense this season. The 25-year-old has put together one of the most productive stretches by any wideout in football. In his last two games alone, he’s totaled 271 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns, and 22 catches.
That included a 16-catch, 161-yard outing against the Steelers. The performance saw Chase join Jerry Rice and Randy Moss as the only players in NFL history to record 6,000+ yards and 50+ touchdowns in their first five seasons.
That performance is enough for Gronkowski not to hesitate when asked what came to mind when he heard Chase’s name. “The best wide receiver in the NFL,” he declared on Dudes on Dudes, cutting off cohost Julian Edelman before he could even respond. “It’s hard to argue. You can’t even argue it,” added Gronk.
Even in losses, Chase’s dominance has been evident. During the Bengals’ Week 5 defeat to the Detroit Lions, he single-handedly carried the offense. That included six passes for 110 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a 64-yard bomb that marked his 13th career touchdown of 60+ yards. That’s the most in the league since 2021.
“Ja’Marr Chase is that dominant of a player,” Gronkowski added, reflecting on the performance against the Lions. “He’s a 17-point swing type of player in these NFL games. That’s how good he is.”
Edelman also echoed the sentiment, praising Chase’s ability to elevate even when his team struggles. “When I first started watching him, he reminded me of a big Steve Smith… He’s violent, runs elite routes, wins 50/50 balls, and never gets caught from behind,” the legendary former Patriots WR said.
The timing of Gronk’s latest proclamation is especially interesting given his previous pick. Earlier this month, he called Rams’ receiver Puka Nacua the league’s best over Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, and yes, Chase.
“I think Puka Nacua is the best wide receiver in the NFL right now… It’s not because he’s the fastest or quickest — it’s because he’s a football player,” Gronk had said.
And while that claim sparked a debate, Chase’s recent run would have swayed Gronk. After all, no other wideout has been as statistically dominant or as indispensable to their offense as No. 1 in stripes.
Through seven weeks, Chase leads the NFL in receptions (58) and ranks among the top five in both receiving yards (629) and touchdowns (5). His combination of explosiveness, consistency, and pure takeover ability has placed him firmly in Offensive Player of the Year conversations. And, of course, back atop Gronkowski’s personal list.
But another big event that has taken place in these two weeks is Nacua’s leg injury during the game against the Ravens. So maybe, just maybe, there might be a hint of recency bias in Gronkowski’s take, as Nacua’s dip and Chase’s rise have taken place at the same time.
But then again, when Gronk says someone is a “17-point swing type of player,” you know it’s more than just praise. It’s also validation from one of football’s ultimate competitors. And right now, that validation is directed to Ja’Marr Chase and no one else.
