CINCINNATI – After sitting through training camp and returning to practice this week in pursuit of a contract extension, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase spoke to the media for the first time this season on 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 is 100 percent healthy, but likely will have to limit himself to “40 or 50” games.
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 that the discussions are not far off.
“We’re a little out of the way, but it’s within reach,” Chase said. “We’re pretty close. Some numbers have to be changed.”
Chase pointed out that his camp had been in discussions with the Bengals about an extension for six months and the club stated at the beginning of the offseason that they wanted to do an extension with him this year. He has two seasons remaining on his contract, with a fifth-year $21.8 million option for 2025 on the books.
Here are Ja’Marr Chase’s best 3 minutes today, covering the most important elements of his extension situation. pic.twitter.com/mqNTfSbSOJ
– Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) 6 September 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 asked about the report that he wants to be paid a penny more than Justin of Minnesota. Jefferson, who reset the receiver market at $35 million a 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 negotiation when asked if Bengal’s offer reflected Brown’s statement.
“Now I do,” Chase said.
Coach Zac Taylor echoed Chase’s uncertainty, only offering a “we’ll see” regarding 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 isn’t done, Chase said he’ll be back at the table next offseason and remains confident he’ll eventually land a long-term deal in Cincinnati, either this year or next.
“I’m sure it will be 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)
