Ja’Marr Chase believes his payday is close to becoming reality.
The star Bengals wideout, addressed reporters Friday for the first time since last season, and detailed where he stands with the team after having sat out of training camp due to contract negotiations.
“We’re pretty close,” he said after having returned to the team this week. “A few numbers need to be switched around and changed in other places, but I’ll say we’re pretty close.”
Chase was had some optimism a deal could get done, though the clock was ticking quickly with the receiver’s self-imposed deadline looming.
“It’s a small chance, but who knows what will happen in the next couple of hours,” he said. “My deadline was today. Who knows what will happen.”
That’s the big question, with the Bengals set to kick off their season on Sunday against the Patriots.
Despite declaring himself “100 percent healthy,” Chase said he would be limited, if he does suit up.
The No. 5 pick in the 2021 draft, Chase has quickly risen to the top of the wide receiving charts in his career — racking up 29 touchdowns on 268 receptions for 3,717 yards — and believes he’s the premiere player at his position.
Ja’Marr Chase spoke to the media for the first time since the end of last season.
He discussed the status of his contract negotiations with the Bengals, if he will play on Sunday and more: pic.twitter.com/Efyu1i34CS
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) September 6, 2024
“I know for a fact I am,” he said.
Set to make $9.8 million this season with his $21.8 million team option already picked up for 2025, Chase expects to earn more than the historic four-year, $140 million deal inked by Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson this offseason, and by more than the single penny he was rumored to have asked for.
“If I want to beat Justin, I’m going to beat the s–t out of Justin,” he said. “Not by a penny, brother. … I’m not really looking to go a lot higher. That’s not really me trying to beat him out, me trying to go crazy. It’s just what’s right.”
Even without a new deal in place, Chase said he would be willing to play this season — “if it gets to that point.”
It’s the final bit of unease remaining after a long offseason in which they sorted out a one-year franchise tag deal with receiver Tee Higgins, who was seeking a long-term, big money deal.
That contract came on the heels of quarterback Joe Burrow’s five-year, $275 million mega deal last season.
Those deals seemingly set the stage for the team’s negotiations — and ensuing displeasure — with Chase.
“I didn’t ask for or demand a new contract this year, I was told by the staff prior to the offseason before camp,” he said. “I wanna say we’re off a little bit, but it’s in reach. We’ll see by game day.”
