Former Illini Running back Chase Brown Inks deal with the Bengals

Chase Brown signs his rookie deal with the Bengals.

Per a tweet by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, former Illini standout running back Chase Brown and the Cincinnati Bengals have come to terms on a deal:

#Bengals Chase Brown deal: four years, $4.126 million, $286,156 signing bonus https://t.co/UvpzeWHyDG

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 9, 2023

Brown, a fifth-round draft pick by the Bengals, is one of the best running backs in school history. He finished his second to Robert Holcombe in career rushing yards. Only Mikel Leshoure had more rushing yards in a single season. Furthermore, Brown was the centerpiece of an Illinois team that went 8-5, its first winning season since 2011. Brown finished his career with 3,206 rushing yards, including 1,643 yards this season and 18 career touchdowns.

Also, Brown joins a solid backfield in Cincinnati that features Joe Mixon, last season’s leading rusher. Samaje Perine, who was second on the team in rushing, now plays for the Denver Broncos. That is good news for Brown, who should slide into the second running back role. Mixon is a slasher back who can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Mixon and Brown are big physical backs who can carry the football between the tackles with enough wiggle to bounce the ball outside.

What this means for the Bengals

This should be a solid combination for the Bengals, who get a reliable, productive running back on a cheaper rookie deal. Brown gets drafted by a team in the Super Bowl two years ago and is looking to contend again this season. Having two running backs of this quality takes some of the pressure from Joe Burrow and keeps defenses honest.

In addition, Brown should fit in well with the Bengals and the city of Cincinnati because of his work ethic. Brown was not highly touted out of high school. Indiana, Syracuse, Western Michigan, and UCF were his only offers out of high school. After a solid season at Western Michigan, Brown went to work and became a top Big Ten running back at Illinois. He’s a blue-collar runner for a blue-collar town.