Ja’Marr Chase (Photo via Getty Images)
There seems to be a never-ending cycle of drama regarding NFL Wide Receivers. First, the Brandon Aiyuk saga continued, and then the Cowboys and Ceedee Lamb contract negotiations finally ended. Up now, though, is drama brewing between the Bengals front office and Ja’Marr Chase.
On Tuesday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that Chase would continue to participate fully at practices even with his “hold-in” due to contract negotiations. However, on Wednesday, he showed up late to practice and in street clothes with no intention of joining.
Ja’Marr Chase just got to practice 13 minutes after it started in street clothes. It appears he isn’t practicing today a day after Zac Taylor said he was going to continue to practice pic.twitter.com/FrVSBL4Wwv
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) August 28, 2024
On Sunday, many thought that Chase and the front office had gotten past the “hold-in” after he showed up to practice, but obviously, there are still some things that need to be smoothed out.
As of now, he still has two years left on his rookie contract and is set to make a base salary of just over $1 million this year. After the Bengals activated their fifth-year option on him, he will earn $21 million next year.
Of course, though, it now looks like Chase will be demanding a new contract that would earn him very close to $34 million a year, similar to Lamb’s new contract, and could even surpass Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who makes $35 million a year.
Ja’Marr Chase Is Seeking Fourth Straight Pro Bowl Appearance
If Chase does demand a record-breaking contract, it will make sense. Since entering the league in 2021, he has solidified himself as one of the top receivers in the NFL.
He won Offensive Rookie of the Year and has made the Pro Bowl every year of his career. He was also a huge part of the Bengals’ 2022 Super Bowl run and likely would not have gotten as far without him.
