Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase doesn’t plan any further negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals on an extension this season, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Chase feels the franchise deceived him after telling him in his exit meeting following the 2023 season, and again at the scouting combine, that he would get a long-term deal, reports Schefter.
The 24-year-old played in the Bengals’ season opener Sunday against the New England Patriots, although uncertainty about the wide receiver’s availability and contract status lingered until 90 minutes before kickoff. Ahead of the matchup, Chase was noncommittal about whether he would play if he didn’t sign an extension. He ended up being active, although he caught just six passes for 62 yards.
Chase and his representation warned that he would sit out the first two games of the season, sources told Schefter, before the wideout stepped in and said he would play regardless.
A long-term extension was expected to make Chase the NFL’s highest-paid wideout in average salary, but the wideout objected to the structure of the deal and the payout, sources told Schefter. Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson’s deal currently leads all receivers in average annual value at $35 million.
Chase, who is under contract through 2025, was asked earlier in September about rumors he wanted only a penny more than Jefferson in a deal. He responded, “If I want to beat Justin, I’m gonna beat the shit out of Justin.”
Chase also took out a $50-million insurance policy on himself as a safeguard, Schefter reports.
Talks reportedly aren’t expected to resume unless the Bengals change Chase’s mind. However, Cincinnati doesn’t usually negotiate during the season. The franchise only completed one in-season extension in the last 20 years, according to ESPN Research: a one-year deal for Andrew Whitworth in 2015.
Bengals owner Mike Brown said this offseason that the franchise was ready to “bend over backwards” to get a deal done with Chase.
Drafted fifth overall in 2021, Chase made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons. He’s recorded 274 catches for 3,779 yards and 29 touchdowns over his career. He also owns the franchise records for most receiving yards in a game (266 in Week 17, 2021) and season (1,455 in 2021)
