Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is now eligible for a new contract after completing his third season in the NFL. However, there’s no indication that he’ll be signing a new deal anytime soon.
Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn mentioned this week that talks between the team and Chase’s representatives haven’t begun yet.
“We’re currently looking into various aspects and considering our options,” Blackburn stated. “We’re going to analyze the situation and see what’s best for the team.”
One factor to consider is the contract of Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. Although Jefferson was eligible for an extension last year, he played the season without one. Once Jefferson signs a new deal, it could set a benchmark for Chase’s contract negotiations.
Despite Chase and Jefferson winning a national championship together in 2019, Jefferson, drafted in 2020, has been in the league a year longer than Chase, who was drafted fifth in 2021.
Although a new contract hasn’t been agreed upon yet, the Bengals are expected to exercise Chase’s fifth-year option for the 2025 season.
Chase has been impressive in his first three seasons, recording over 1,000 receiving yards each year. He currently has 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns in 45 games.
