Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals are within arms reach of a new contract.
In his first meeting with the media since the 2023 season, Chase was optimistic about agreeing to a new deal with the Bengals.
“I wanna say we’re off a little bit but it’s in reach,” the Pro Bowl wide receiver said. “We’re pretty close, a few numbers need to be switched around and changed other places, but I would say we’re pretty close.”
Chase was conducting a present holdout throughout training camp, meaning he was in attendance but did not participate in drills.
Bengals team president and owner Mike Brown said at the beginning of camp the Bengals would "bend over backwards" to sign Chase to an extension.
Chase returned to practice on Aug. 25 as a limited participant. On Aug. 28, Chase showed up late to practice and did not participate. He wasn't back practicing with the team until Sept. 4.
According to reports, Chase is hoping to sign a deal larger than the historic deal his college teammate Justin Jefferson signed with the Vikings. It was a four-year deal worth $140 million with $110 million guaranteed.
“I’m not really looking to go a lot higher, it’s not really me trying to beat him out, to go crazy,” Chase said. “It’s just what’s right.”
During the press conference, Chase would not confirm whether or not he'd play in the season opener against the Patriots. He said Friday is his cut off for a new deal and he does expect to play without a new contract.
