Ja’Marr Chase Contract Update: Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially wrapped up preparation for the 2024 season and are now preparing for their season opener against the New England Patriots.

The biggest story surrounding the Bengals is the contract situation of star player Ja’Marr Chase.

Chase did not participate in training camp or pre-season training, but was present throughout the period and even traveled with the team to Chicago.

On Sunday, Chase made his return to training, seemingly ending his contract suspension.

Does this mean a deal is near?

Chase has two years left on his rookie contract with the Bengals, but he has made it clear he’s ready to stay in Cincinnati for the long haul.

According to The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov, Chase and his team hope to see what kind of deals CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk get.

“They’re still talking about an extension. They’re still in the process,” Meirov said. “The hope on Ja’Marr’s part is that they can reach a long-term deal, and honestly, the way they’re looking at it is if CeeDee or Aiyuk are done, and they’re in the Justin Jefferson neighborhood, they’re pretty sure the Bengals’ hands are tied.”

Jefferson signed the most expensive contract ever for a wide receiver this offseason, and Chase appears to be looking for a similar deal.

And to no surprise, Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys just reached a deal that could speed things up between Chase and the Bengals.

Meirov added that there is “positive momentum” between Chase and the Bengals regarding a deal, but that there is a very real chance the two sides could delay a new contract until the 2025 midseason.

For what it’s worth, former NFL agent Joel Corry broke down the next steps for both sides of the negotiation and how much money Chase could have lost if he didn’t play in regular season games. According to Corry, Chase could lose $1,814,702 if he doesn’t play against the Patriots and the Bengals use all of their penalties under the CBA.

Thankfully, that’s off the table now that Chase is back to practicing. Let’s hope the two sides can make a deal.

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