The Cincinnati Bengals are currently negotiating a contract extension with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, but reaching an agreement may require a significant financial commitment.
Chase is reportedly seeking a deal that would make him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history, just surpassing Justin Jefferson’s recent four-year, $140 million extension by a single penny. This modest but symbolic demand highlights Chase’s competitive spirit, particularly given his history with Jefferson, his former LSU teammate.
Securing this extension now could benefit the Bengals financially. With two years remaining on Chase’s rookie contract, extending his deal would allow the team to spread the financial impact over six seasons.
This strategy would likely be more favorable in the long run, as it would result in an average salary of $27.15 million per year for Chase, which is considerably lower than the $40 million per year that might be necessary if negotiations were delayed until closer to the end of his current contract.
Tensions between Chase and the Bengals have surfaced throughout the offseason, largely due to the ongoing contract discussions. Chase sat out all of training camp, only returning to practice recently.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor initially expressed confidence that Chase would play in the season opener against the Patriots, but Chase’s subsequent decision to skip a practice session after Taylor’s comments has introduced uncertainty about his availability for Week 1.
Chase’s situation is somewhat unprecedented in the NFL, especially for a player with two years remaining on a rookie deal. Typically, contract disputes involving non-quarterbacks don’t occur this early.
The recent extensions of wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, who were drafted in the same year as Chase, might have influenced his desire to renegotiate now. However, unlike Chase, both Waddle and Smith managed to secure their deals without missing any practice time, adding to the complexity of the Bengals’ situation.
The Bengals recognize Chase’s value, particularly as a key offensive player alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. Bengals owner Mike Brown has acknowledged the importance of securing a deal but also hinted that a new contract might not be finalized before the start of the season.
With the season opener quickly approaching, the Bengals are running out of time to reach an agreement, and it remains to be seen whether Chase will take further action, such as sitting out games, to push for his desired extension.
