CINCINNATI — After holding in through training camp and returning to practice this week seeking a contract extension, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase spoke to the media for the first time this season Friday.
Chase said he is willing to play this season without a contract extension but called it “my decision” whether he goes out there Sunday against the New England Patriots. He also said he’s 100 percent healthy, but would likely have to limit himself to “40 or 50” plays.
The star receiver said his deal deadline was Friday, but without one in hand, he doesn’t know what will happen next. He gave the impression the discussions were not far off.
“We’re off a little bit, but it’s in reach,” Chase said. “We are pretty close. A few numbers need to be switched around.”
Chase pointed out that his camp has been in discussions with the Bengals about an extension for six months and the club stated at the beginning of the offseason they desired to get an extension done with him this year. He has two seasons remaining on his contract, with a fifth-year option of $21.8 million for 2025 on the books.
Here’s the best 3 minutes of Ja’Marr Chase today, covering the most important elements of his extension situation. pic.twitter.com/mqNTfSbSOJ
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 6, 2024
When asked if he thinks he’s the best receiver in football, the three-time Pro Bowler said, “I know I am,” then didn’t hold back when questioned about the report that he wants to be paid one penny more than Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson, who reset the receiver market at $35 million per year earlier this summer.
“If I want to beat Justin, I want to beat the s— out of Justin,” he said. “Not by a penny, brother.”
At the opening of training camp, Bengals president Mike Brown said the team would “bend over backwards” to sign Chase to an extension, calling him their second-best player. Chase shed light on the path of the negotiations when asked if the Bengals’ offer has reflected Brown’s statement.
“Now it does, yes,” Chase said.
Coach Zac Taylor echoed the uncertainty from Chase, merely offering “we’ll see” in regards to his status for Sunday. Tee Higgins tweaked his hamstring in Thursday’s practice and his status for Sunday is also up in the air.
If an extension does not get done, Chase said he will return to the table next offseason and remains confident he’ll eventually land a long-term deal in Cincinnati, whether this year or next.
“I’m confident it will get done,” he said. “I know my worth and I’m pretty sure they know my worth. That’s easy and simple.”
Required reading
(Photo: Frank Bowen IV / The Enquirer / USA Today)
