Ja'Marr Chase puts the ball in the Bengals' court after breaking media silence
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase spoke to reporters for the first time in months following an offseason that featured him holding-in for a contract extension. Here's everything important Chase revealed Friday afternoon. Bengals came to Chase about a deal Contrary to popular belief, the Bengals were the side to approach Chase about getting an extension […]
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase spoke to reporters for the first time in months following an offseason that featured him holding-in for a contract extension.
Here's everything important Chase revealed Friday afternoon.
Bengals came to Chase about a deal
Contrary to popular belief, the Bengals were the side to approach Chase about getting an extension done this offseason. This is a surprise considering the Bengals rarely ever give out extensions to their former first-round picks after just three years. Joe Burrow is the only exception to the rule since the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
"I didn't ask for a contract or demand a contract this year," Chase said. "It was told by the staff right before camp."
Obviously Chase wants to get paid, and if he does get paid, he wants the deal to be right (and more than Justin Jefferson).
Chase says a deal is "in reach"
Negotiations have been going on for the duration of the offseason, and the Bengals reportedly made a strong offer this week. The goal line hasn't been crossed yet, but Chase believes it's in striking distance.
"I wanna say we're off a little bit, but it's in reach," Chase said. "We're pretty close. A few numbers need to be switched around and changed in other places. I'll say we're pretty close."
The issue with this is the timing. Chase confirmed that Friday was his deadline to get a deal done, meaning he doesn't want to negotiate during the season. If a deal doesn't get done by the end of today, that has possible ramifications for Sunday's season-opener against the New England Patriots.
Chase will decide whether or not he plays Sunday
While Chase did confirm that he will play this season even without a deal, he indicated that if he does play Sunday, he will probably be limited. But playing at all will be a "game-time decision" and wants it to be up to him.
Chase even put a number on how many snaps he could play if he does suit up Sunday.
"I probably got a good 40 or 50 in me."
Burrow said Wednesday that Chase is "ready to go." Practicing for three consecutive days does indicate he's preparing to play, but putting "game-time decision" out into the air is a useful leverage tactic towards the front office. That's where this all ends.
Where everything goes from here
Chase breaking his silence illuminated a lot a things about the past several months. A few certainties are now laid out:
- Bengals approached Chase about an extension
- He wants a deal by the end of the day
- He will accept playing without a deal if it comes to that
We still don't know for sure if he will play Sunday, but a deal being reached by tonight may end that mystery.
Bengals making ‘some progress’ as the clock ticks for a Ja’Marr Chase contract extension
Cincinnati is working towards extending the three-time Pro Bowler.
