The lead-up to the start of the new NFL season for the Cincinnati Bengals heavily included what would happen with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Chase had been dealing with a contract dispute throughout the offseason and his status for Week 1 was in doubt.
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While the two sides didn’t come to terms on an agreement, Chase still suited up for Cincinnati against the New England Patriots. He hardly practiced throughout training camp while dealing with the dispute but still managed to record six catches for 62 yards in the loss.
There was hope that both sides could agree on an extension prior to the season opener and it seems that they almost did. According to Bengals insider James Rapien of Sports Illustrated, the key holdup over an extension was when guaranteed money would kick in.
“The two sides were close to an agreement, league sources say. In fact, the Bengals offered Chase a four-year, $140 million contract with $90 million guaranteed. That guaranteed money included a $30 million signing bonus. Those raw numbers worked for Chase’s camp, sources tell Bengals On SI. The lone snag in the agreement had to do with when guarantees would kick in.”
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If the only issue on a deal was when the guaranteed money would kick in, the two sides could still negotiate and likely come to an agreement. The Bengals would love to get Chase locked up on a new contract to avoid any unforeseen issues coming down the line.
With Chase back on the field, the Bengals’ offense can at least run somewhat smoother. His presence allows quarterback Joe Burrow to have a legitimate threat every single snap and defenses have to account for him at all turns.
Chase has already taken priority in the eyes of the Cincinnati front office over co-star Tee Higgins when it comes to signing them long-term. It remains to be seen if Chase wants to do a deal in the middle of the season, especially since he recently said his mental deadline was the Friday before the year started.
There is no official deadline for an extension to take place so the Bengals could wait this out as well. But with Higgins nursing an annoying hamstring injury, getting Chase settled may be in their best interest for the remainder of the season.
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