The Cincinnati Bengals are about to embark on a tough game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium, looking to avoid going 0-2 in the new season. But it seems that outside distractions continue to come over this team at inopportune times.
More news: Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase Came Close to Extension But One Crucial Detail Broke Talks Down: Report
Leading into Week 1 of the NFL season, Cincinnati and star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase couldn’t come to terms on a new contract agreement. Chase believes that he is worth becoming the top-paid wide receiver in the NFL and almost held out to make it happen.
The two sides could come to terms on a deal and now, the relationship seems a little fragile.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Chase feels that the Bengals “misled” him in their intentions to sign an extension this offseason. Schefter reported the news on social media.
“Talks between Chase and the Bengals are off for now, and probably for the rest of the season, unless the team does something to change the situation,” Schefter writes. “According to sources, the star wide receiver believes the Bengals misled him when they told him at the end of last season, and again during the offseason, he would get an extension that ultimately did not happen.”
The two sides will likely talk again next offseason, but this could end up costing Cincinnati some leverage with Chase. Cincinnati has a long history of waiting too long to negotiate deals with players and it has cost them in the past.
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Getting Chase signed on a long-term deal needs to be a priority for the Bengals. The LSU product is part of what makes the offensive attack run smoothly and has clearly proven his worth to the franchise since being drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Last season, Chase caught 100 passes for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns.
Luckily for Cincinnati, Chase decided to play without a new contract extension. He will be a key for the Bengals if they are to upset the Chiefs on Sunday.
Chase spoke confidently about the Bengals in the days leading up to the game. He even went as far as to say that Cincinnati was the team to beat in the AFC.
“Everybody knows that, bro,” Chase said Thursday. “It’s not ‘if.’ We are the team to beat in the AFC. And we know it. And we got to play like it too.”
For Cincinnati to beat the Chiefs, Chase will need to have a special day. His co-star Tee Higgins is likely going to miss the game due to injury, so Chase will be the focal point on offense. The hope is that he can put together a strong showing, and that it can jumpstart negotiations between the two sides.
More news: CeeDee Lamb Gives Advice to Ja’Marr Chase Amid Contract Dispute