Ja'Marr Chase is using Joe Burrow to voice concerns to the Bengals front office
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase hasn't gone to the front office to let them know that he wants Tee Higgins, his close friend, to remain in Cincy longterm. But Chase has still made sure that the front office knows where he stands. Chase was asked by a reporter on Sunday if he "champions" Higgins […]
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase hasn't gone to the front office to let them know that he wants Tee Higgins, his close friend, to remain in Cincy longterm.
But Chase has still made sure that the front office knows where he stands.
Chase was asked by a reporter on Sunday if he "champions" Higgins in conversations with the front office.
The former LSU star said that he doesn't go directly to the front office to share concerns. Instead, he shares those concerns with quarterback Joe Burrow (who essentially has a direct line to the front office).
"The most I say is stuff to Joe," said Chase. "I just tell Joe how I'm feeling about certain things. I can't really say much. My opinion doesn't always matter. I just come here to do my job every day and make sure me and my quarterback and my teammates are winning football. That's all I can do."
That's probably the best approach for Chase to take. Burrow is one of the rare quarterbacks in the NFL that can influence the direction of a franchise (the selection of Chase in the 2021 NFL Draft over an offensive lineman is an example of the influence that Burrow has in Cincy). So sharing concerns with Burrow is basically like talking directly to Cincy's de facto general manager Duke Tobin.
Chase and Burrow always seem to be on the same page. So when Chase tells Burrow what he thinks about the roster, there's a good chance that Burrow relays that message to the front office.
Whether or not that means that Higgins will receive an extension is anyone's guess. The signs seem to be pointing that way, but you never know in the NFL until a deal is actually done (just look at what happened in recent years with the Tyreek Hill/AJ Brown/Davante Adams trades).
Regardless of the outcome, at least Chase is making sure his voice is being heard — even if he has to use Burrow as his megaphone.
Bengals OL Jonah Williams sends loud message to the rest of the NFL
Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Jonah Williams sent a loud message to the rest of the NFL
Featured image via The Cincinnati Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK
