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Ja’Marr Chase has not been given the attention that some other wide receivers have taken this offseason for holding out. With most of the field finalized, Chase is still without a contract. This situation is poised to deteriorate further per NFL analyst Mike Florio.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Chase signed a four-year rookie deal worth $30.8 million in 2021. Before the WR’s contract was close to being over, the Bengals exercised their fifth-year option. However, with two years remaining on his deal, Chase held out this offseason.
Chase did not participate in any of the sessions. Then he showed up to practice last week and the Bengals fans rejoiced, suspecting a deal was almost finalized. However, since then, Chase has been missing once again.
Florio points out that this problem might be cheaper for the Bengals if they do not sign him to a new deal this year. However, this could get 'ugly' for all parties going into the future. Although the Bengals will sign him to a higher contract deal next year, they will deteriorate the young WR’s morale.
Florio also highlighted the dual standard the Bengals are employing. The Bengals signed QB Joe Burrow to a market-level contract last year but are not awarding the same to Chase.
Head Coach Zac Taylor and Chase have been tight-lipped throughout the process. However, Florio gives a hard deadline of this week for the contract issue to be settled, if things are to prosper at Bengals.
Will Ja’Marr Chase reset the WR market?
Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings sits atop the WR money pile. He signed a massive $35 million per year contract earlier this offseason. ESPN’s senior NFL reporter suggested Ja’Marr Chase might have bridged this mark. He pointed out that the deal will be “well above” 30 million per year.
Flower also pointed out that the Bengals want this deal done as early as possible this week. Florio suggested a similar deadline. This will be useful for the season opener lined up on Sep. 8 against the New England Patriots.
