During a Super Bowl week interview on Wednesday, Cincinnati Bengals receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase actively promoted adding defensive star Maxx Crosby, highlighting their awareness of the team’s defensive weaknesses. Their appeal focused on Crosby’s ability to address one of the franchise’s biggest challenges as they look to strengthen their roster.
Higgins and Chase, key figures in the Bengals’ passing offense, voiced their support for Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler known for his disruptive presence on the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense.
Bengals’ Star Receivers Endorse Maxx Crosby to Boost Defensive Line
Appearing on the Up & Adams show with Kay Adams during the NFL’s Super Bowl week, Higgins and Chase were asked which Pro Bowl players they would like to bring to Cincinnati. This question prompted them to recommend Crosby as a top defensive target.
“I want to go with your boy from Vegas,” Chase said. “Maxx Crosby. I like Maxx Crosby. He’s a dawg.”
“Hey, Maxx, man,” Higgins added. “C’mon to the Bengals, man!”
These comments occurred amid reports that Crosby’s time with the Raiders appears to be nearing an end. Insider Jay Glazer told Yahoo! Sports that around 20 NFL teams have expressed interest in trading for Crosby, indicating a high demand for his talents.
Highlighting Cincinnati’s Defensive Struggles and Potential Solutions
The Bengals’ 2025 season ended with a disappointing 6-11 record, largely due to injuries to quarterback Joe Burrow and a defense that struggled significantly. Opposing offenses were able to score easily, and Cincinnati’s run defense was regularly overpowered.
During the discussion, Higgins first mentioned Tennessee’s Jeffery Simmons as a potential defensive acquisition, praising his run-stopping and pass-rushing skills.
“I don’t know if he is a free agent, but Jeffery Simmons,” Higgins said. “I like him. He’s just a dawg up there in front, man. Just watching him over the season, he just made so many plays with run-stopping, getting sacks on the QBs and stuff like that. I feel like we could use that.”
However, Chase quickly shifted focus back to Crosby, emphasizing his value despite playing on a Raiders defense that struggled as a unit. Crosby’s individual performance remains elite, making him an attractive target to strengthen Cincinnati’s defensive lineup.
Implications for Cincinnati’s Future and Team Building
The Bengals’ public recruitment of Maxx Crosby by their leading receivers signals urgency to upgrade the defensive front. With trade discussions underway, Cincinnati’s interest in Crosby could indicate a strategic move to improve defensive stability and balance the team’s offense-heavy identity.
Securing Crosby would provide the Bengals with a proven pass rusher and run stopper capable of shifting the team’s defensive dynamics, which could play a crucial role in future playoff aspirations. As negotiations progress, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the Bengals can translate this strong endorsement into a successful acquisition.
Ja'Marr and Tee do some Pro Bowl recruiting… Who do they want in Cincy?
Jeffery Simmons and Maxx Crosby 👀@Real10jayy__ | @teehiggins5 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/89iDW7xXW5
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 4, 2026
