The Cincinnati Bengals have sought a consistent third receiving option for quarterback Joe Burrow.
The Bengals’ pass-catching duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is considered among the best in the NFL. A dangerous third receiver would open up the passing game even more for Burrow and the offense.
At times, Andrei Iosivas, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Princeton, has provided an outlet for Burrow when his top options are covered or injured. In three seasons, Iosivas has 84 catches for 1,030 yards and 12 touchdowns.
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But the 2025 season was unkind to Iosivas, who snagged 33 passes for 435 yards and two scores. He recorded five dropped passes and ranked 78th out of 81 qualified receivers in Pro Football Focus rankings.
Cincinnati fans noticed Iosivas’ struggles. Some went too far on social media, according to the 26-year-old.
“I had those drops in those games, and people were telling me to kill myself,” Iosivas said on Tuesday, May 12, per Bengals beat reporter Mike Petraglia. “It got in my head a little bit. You know when your DMs are flooded with people telling you to kill yourself and stuff … it makes me angry, honestly.”
Attitude shift for Iosivas
Known as “Yoshi,” Iosivas cultivated a friendly, upbeat reputation during his first three seasons in the NFL.
But there seemed to be a shift in his attitude Tuesday as the Bengals began phase two of their voluntary offseason workout program.
As he enters a contract year, Iosivas indicated he will focus on his individual progress. He is set to earn about $3.7 million in 2026, per Spotrac.
“I’m not really going into this year expecting anything,” he said, per Cincinnati TV anchor Yanni Tragellis. “I’m just going to do me, and whatever happens, happens. … That’s just how I am now.
“Last year, I felt like I expected a lot of things. This year, I’m just going to go and do me. That’s how it goes.”
The Bengals released receiver Jermaine Burton, a 2024 draftee, in December and drafted Georgia receiver Colbie Young in the fourth round of the 2026 draft.
But Iosivas will get the first opportunity to nail down the third receiver spot as the Bengals enter a crucial season.