Ja’Marr Chase’s Contract Stalemate with Cincinnati Bengals

Ja’Marr Chase, a top-tier wide receiver in the NFL, has publicly disclosed that he does not intend to enter into contract extension negotiations with the Cincinnati Bengals this season. According to insiders, discussions between Chase and the Bengals have halted for the time being, and it’s highly likely that this will remain the status quo for the remainder of the season unless the Bengals take action to alter the situation.

Accusations of Misleading Promises

The acclaimed wide receiver believes that he was deceived by the Bengals. He claims they assured him of a contract extension towards the end of the previous season and reiterated the promise during the offseason, a promise that sadly never materialized.

Reinforcing His Stand

In a move to bolster his stance and secure his position, Chase has secured a $50 million insurance policy to protect himself against potential injuries and loss of income during the season. As one source pointed out, with this insurance in place, Chase is well covered.

Cincinnati Bengals’ Negotiation Stance

While the Bengals could attempt to re-initiate negotiations with Chase, the team is notorious for its reluctance to negotiate contracts during the season. This practice is unlikely to change, particularly since Chase seems resolute in his decision to refrain from further contract talks. The team’s focus, for now, is firmly on their upcoming match against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bengals’ Contract History

The last instance of the Bengals extending a contract for one of their key players during the regular season dates back to 2015 when offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth agreed to a one-year extension. This was a rare event, as it was the only in-season contract extension the Bengals have executed in the past two decades.

Disappointment Over Missed Offseason Deal

Chase and his team believe the ideal timeframe to finalize a deal was during the offseason, a sentiment the Bengals initially seemed to share. However, as Chase watched his 2021 draft peers, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, and DeVonta Smith, secure lucrative long-term contracts, he was left waiting for a deal that never arrived.

False Start to Training Camp

Adding to the drama, Chase initially intended to skip the first two days of training camp, with plans to arrive on the third day to collect his $4 million reporting bonus. However, due to a mix-up, Chase reported to camp on time, giving the impression that talks were progressing more positively than they truly were.

Unresolved Long-Term Deal

Chase and the Bengals spent most of the summer trying to broker a long-term deal, efforts that proved fruitless before the Bengals’ regular season commenced with a loss to the New England Patriots. A new contract was anticipated to crown Chase as the NFL’s highest-paid receiver, surpassing the $35 million yearly average that Justin Jefferson, his former LSU teammate, received from the Minnesota Vikings.

Playing Without a New Contract

Sources revealed that Chase’s team even threatened that he would sit out the first two games of the season unless a deal was reached. However, Chase stepped in, clarifying that he would play regardless of his contract status. He is now fully committed to the 2024 season. Chase’s focus, for now, is on the Kansas City Chiefs and the belief that the Bengals “are the team to beat in the AFC.”