Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase Takes Circuitous Route To Define Contract Situation, Willingness To Play

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase said he will play Sunday even if he doesn’t get an extension.

It’s the question that’s been on everyone’s mind all offseason as he skipped voluntary workouts and sat out every practice of mandatory minicamp and training camp.

But even with that assertion, Chase left a little doubt hanging in the air.

Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase Says He’ll Play Without a Contract … Sort Of

Speaking with the media for the first time since the end of last season, Chase contradicted himself several times, including on the issue of playing Sunday in the season opener against the New England Patriots.

“I’ll probably be limited if I do play. Game-time decision,” he said.

Having already said he would play without a contract, Chase was asked if the game-time decision was health- or conditioning-related.

“I’m 100% healthy.”

So why a game-time decision?

“It’s my decision.”

Chase was far clearer when it came to the contract negotiations. He said he was told by the front office he would get an extension this year.

And that still could happen.

“I’d say we’re pretty close,” he said. “Some numbers need to be pushed around and changed in other places. But I feel we’re pretty close.”

But then came another contradiction when he was asked how optimistic he was that it could get done by Sunday.

“It’s a small chance. Who knows what will happen,” Chase said.

Is Sunday his deadline?

“For me, my deadline was today, for real.”

His most definitive answer came on the topic of whether he views himself as the best receiver in the NFL.

“I know for a fact I am,” Chase said.

He believes he’s the best receiver in the league and he wants to be paid like it after watching several other players at his position cash in with huge extensions this offseason.

The biggest one went to Chase’s friend and former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson, who signed a four-year, $140 million extension to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.

There has been speculation that Chase wants one penny more than Jefferson so he could own that label.

“If I want to beat Justin, I want to beat the s–t out of Justin,” Chase said. “Not by a penny, brother.”

I asked Ja’Marr Chase if the reports are true that he wants one penny more than Justin Jefferson.

Ja’Marr Chase: “If I want to beat Justin, I’m going to beat the sh*t out of Justin” #Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/04RQTCwnav

— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) September 6, 2024

But then another contradiction.

“I’m not really looking to go a lot higher,” he said after a follow-up question. “It’s not really me trying to beat him out and me trying to go crazy. It’s just what’s right.”

Chase said his agent, Rocky Arceneaux, and the Cincinnati front office have been going back and forth for “six, seven months.”

“It’s been a long process. It’s been pretty aggravating for the most part,” Chase said. “I try not to let my feelings get in the way, bringing it to work and affecting the guys that’s practicing.”

Holding in rather than holding out was important to him because he wanted to be present for his teammates.

“I’m a team player. I put all my guys first,” he said. “I tried to give all my support to the guys and be there for them.”

And in turn, he said, they were there for him.

“They’ve been helpful to me, picking me up when I’m down,” Chase said. “They talk trash to me at practice to make sure my energy is there, too. It hasn’t really felt different. I feel like everyone is on my side in this situation.”

At the pre-camp luncheon in July, when the other had its say, team owner and president Mike Brown said the Bengals “would bend over backward” to get a deal done. Brown also characterized quarterback Joe Burrow and Chase as their best and most important players.

Chase was asked if the contract offer reflects that statement.

“Now it does,” he said.

While he didn’t sound optimistic about finalizing a deal before the start of the season despite the progress and being close, Chase said he fully expects it to happen in 2025.

And he’s fine waiting for that.

“I’ll bet on myself if I have to,” he said. “I’m confident it’ll get done. I know my worth, and I’m sure they know my worth, too. That’s easy and simple.”