Bengals making 'some progress' as the clock ticks for a Ja'Marr Chase contract extension
The Cincinnati Bengals are working towards extending wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's contract before the season begins, and time is of the essence. While Chase is under contract for two more seasons, the three-time Pro Bowler has been holding-in from practicing in an attempt to push for a new deal. The Bengals also rarely negotiate during the […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are working towards extending wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's contract before the season begins, and time is of the essence.
While Chase is under contract for two more seasons, the three-time Pro Bowler has been holding-in from practicing in an attempt to push for a new deal. The Bengals also rarely negotiate during the season, so if a deal is getting done this year, it'll happen this week.
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that "some progress" has been made towards the Bengals making Chase potentially the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
“The two sides are in talks for a deal though to make him among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, or the highest-paid receiver, higher than Justin Jefferson. There have been some talks, there has been some progress, but there’s for sure nothing done yet. So we’ll see what his status is,” Rapoport said.
There haven't been many substantive reports regarding negotiations prior to this week. Chase was a participant in back-to-back practices last Sunday and Monday before returning to his hold-in Wednesday and Thursday.
Chase has been silent throughout the process, but his actions are loud and clear.
Missing practice following the conclusion of the preseason and training camp is a strong message towards the front office, and the Bengals appear to be taking it serious. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported over the weekend that the team has "intensified their efforts" to pay Chase.
Chase's leverage play continues
Two receivers got paid over the last week after conducting a holdout/hold-in. Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk each received deals worth at least $30 million per year and are back in the fold for their respective teams.
Chase now stands alone as the only receiver awaiting his pay day away from the practice field. He watched his contemporaries get the results they wanted, which is why he's staying strong with his plight.
And if at least some progress has been made, Chase has no reason to switch up now.
There are only a handful of practices until Cincinnati's Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. If Chase doesn't return this week without a deal, there's a chance he misses the season-opener.
The Bengals ramping up talks, like Fowler reported, can prevent that from happening.
Chase's hold-in has sparked progress, but time is absolutely running out before the situation becomes potentially dire.
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