The Cincinnati Bengals hit the jackpot, drafting franchise quarterback Joe Burrow in 2020 and pairing him with elite wideout, and former school teammate, Ja’Marr Chase in 2021. After which the Bengals practically set their successful lotto ticket on fireplace. Cincinnati didn’t signal Chase to a long run extension previous to the 2024 season, ensuing within the All-Professional receiver holding in throughout camp. In the end, Chase opted to play final season however shut down contract negotiations with the crew.
It’s a superb factor Chase took the sector in 2024 because the fourth-year wideout gained the triple crown, main the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17). And he did it within the fourth yr of his rookie deal, incomes a base wage of $1.05 million – properly, properly under his market worth.
Now the Bengals have correctly modified their tune on paying the previous Offensive Participant of the 12 months. “Ja’Marr is at all times going to be our precedence. He’ll be the highest paid non quarterback within the league. We’re there. Let’s get it achieved,” Cincinnati’s director of participant personnel Duke Tobin stated per Bengals reporter Charlie Goldsmith on X.
Most NFL analysts believed the Bengals arrived at this level a yr in the past. However, higher late than by no means, proper? “We’re going to reward Ja’Marr. He’s going to be the man,” Tobin added, through Goldsmith.
The Bengals are (lastly) able to pay Ja’Marr Chase
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So, the Bengals are going to reward Ja’Marr. They plan to make him the highest paid non-QB in soccer. However what does that appear like? Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is at present the highest-paid non passer at $35 million a yr. Are the Bengals ready to surpass that quantity?
One NFL insider believes Chase would be the first $40 million wideout. And if Tobin is true to his phrase, that looks as if it’s going to turn into actuality. After all, Chase isn’t the one Bengals participant seeking a brand new deal. Fellow receiver Tee Higgins is a free agent trying to receives a commission.
Burrow has expressed optimism that the Bengals pays each Chase and Higgins. However Higgins has an anticipated AAV of $25.4 million. So Cincinnati could be a four-year, $100 million deal for his or her quantity two wideout.
Securing each receivers could be a boon for the Bengals’ offense, and certain win Burrow an MVP within the subsequent couple years. However signing Chase and Higgins would include tradeoffs. The crew would seemingly be unable to retain sack chief Trey Hendrickson or add affect free brokers. Contemplating Cincinnati missed the playoffs in 2024 largely as a result of its protection, the crew wants to judge its priorities this offseason.