What’s Going on with Ja’Marr Chase?

The Cincinnati Bengals training camp is in full swing, with Joe Burrow returning from his wrist injury last season. While fans see most of the familiar faces on the practice field, one big name is missing: Ja’Marr Chase. Chase, who had a productive 2023 season even throughout the QB change, is now eligible for a contract extension. The issue is that his counterpart, Tee Higgins, is also due. Higgins has signed his franchise tag, and the Bengals will have him for at least one more year, but after this season, the team will have to decide if they are willing to pay him what he wants.

The issue is Justin Jefferson’s recent contract has just changed the landscape for all of the top receivers potential contracts. Jefferson received a four-year deal for $140 million, with $110 million guaranteed. This is the biggest contract for any receiver in NFL history. This means teams with top receivers will have to deal with them wanting “Justin Jefferson money.” So, Ja’Marr Chase is now seeking a contract, and we can only assume that he wants a deal similar to his college buddy’s, Justin Jefferson. Since Chase is going into this 4th year, the Bengals do not officially have to sign him to a deal this season. It can be assumed that Chase sitting out of training camp is a leverage move for him and his agent, trying to pressure the Bengals into giving him a deal this offseason instead of next.

I believe it would be smarter for the Bengals to get a deal done this offseason instead of next since the receiver contracts could get even crazier, especially with CeeDee Lamb’s deal looming. The Bengals' front office could also figure out what to do with Tee Higgins later, so they don’t have to give two receivers massive contracts at the same time.

Cover: (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)