Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase ended his contract “hold in” and joined practice for the first time this summer on Sunday, just two weeks before Cincinnati’s season opener against the New England Patriots.
The Bengals shared photos from the closed practice on social media showing Chase taking part in the sessions.
Chase had been watching most practices from the sidelines as he seeks a long-term contract extension. He is in the fourth year of his rookie contract, and the Bengals have already picked up his fully guaranteed $21.8 million fifth-year option for 2025.
However, Chase wants to secure a big new deal. Ten receivers have signed contracts worth at least $70 million this offseason, with Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million extension with Minnesota setting the highest mark.
Chase, the fifth pick in the 2021 draft, has been a Pro Bowl player every season and won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2021. He was also a second-team All-Pro that year.
He has 268 catches for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns, ranking in the top seven in all three categories for players in their first three seasons.
Chase, along with fellow receiver Tee Higgins and quarterback Joe Burrow, has helped make the Bengals one of the top passing offenses in the league.
Cincinnati secured Burrow with a five-year, $275 million contract before last season. Higgins is playing this year under a $21.8 million franchise tag and will be a free agent next offseason.
