Sorry, A.J. Green ... Chad Johnson tells TMZ Sports Ja'Marr Chase is the best wide receiver to ever put on a Bengals uniform.
The Cincinnati legend made no bones about it during a quick convo with our photog out in New York City this week ... saying Chase is "absolutely" the No. 1 "in the history of the Bengals."
"The franchise in general," he added. "Yes."
Johnson and Green are the two who Cincy fans have historically called their WR GOAT -- as they own every major Bengals all-time receiving record.