Ja’Marr Chase has one foot out of the Cincinnati Bengals. While the team continues to mull on whether to give its star receiver a new contract, Chase has already sent owner Mike Brown a clear warning: open the checkbook, or I’m gone.
In just four years in the NFL, Chase has become the best receiver in the league. In 2024 alone, he accumulated 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdown catches, leading the NFL in all three departments.
As if this were not enough, the former LSU Tiger was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, First Team All-Pro in 2024, and was named to the Pro Bowl in all his years in the NFL. Despite this, there is still no word on whether the Bengals are even planning to extend the contract Chase has been seeking since last year.
What is Chase asking of the Bengals?
Chase’s motto appears to be “A picture is worth a thousand words.” On Monday, the receiver shared an image of a display on his Instagram Stories with the message, “Know your worth. Then add tax.” This appears to be a follow-up to messages he has shared previously, showing his frustration with Cincinnati’s front office.
NFL insiders have claimed that Chase wants to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. With this goal in mind, the $40 million a year that Myles Garrett just got with the Cleveland Browns gives Chase a good starting point.
Chase has already played out the four years of his rookie contract, but the Bengals have an optional fifth year. The original deal gave him almost $31 million over four years, but now the player wants at least $40 million annually. This would be a huge blow to Cincinnati’s finances, a team not known for spending much on salaries.
What’s next for Chase?
Trey Hendrickson and Tee Higgins are classic examples of the Bengals’ salary strategy. The former was allowed to go on the market, while the latter was franchise-tagged rather than negotiate new deals with them.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has hinted to the front office to open the checkbook to retain the talent they need to get back to the playoffs, to no avail so far. What’s next for Chase in the coming weeks? We’re about to find out.
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