
Ja’Marr Chase being suspended for one game would not only prevent him from playing in the Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 12 game against the New England Patriots, it would prevent him from earning his paycheck and additional cash for the week.
Chase has been suspended without pay for Sunday's game in Cincinnati. He's appealing said suspension and his appeal will be heard by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, all former NFL players who have been appointed as hearing officers by the league and NFLPA.
When Chase's appeal is heard and decided on, the Bengals will learn if they'll have Chase at their disposal, and Chase will learn if he can play and get paid. If his suspension is upheld, he will lose a good chunk of money in the process.
Chase's suspension will cost him $507,156 in total cash he would otherwise earn from playing against the Patriots. His base salary of $8.07 million is paid out over the 18-week regular season in the form of payments of $448,333. He can also earn up to $1 million in the form of per game roster bonuses for every game he's active. In a 17-game schedule, that's $58,823 per game.
Add up the two weekly numbers, and you get $507,156 of potential earnings lost.
In total, Ja’Marr Chase will cost him a total of $507,156 if he doesn’t win his appeal against the NFL https://t.co/eOeYLJkHKW
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) November 17, 2025
Chase's four-year, $161 million contract extension he signed in March guarantees all of his cash for this year, but a suspension would lift that guarantee.
The NFL has suspended Chase for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey during the fourth quarter of Cincinnati’s 12-34 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ramsey alleged after the game Chase had spit on him right before their scuffle that led to former being disqualified. Chase swiftly denying the accusation, but video evidence appeared later on proving Ramsey's accusation to be true.
Chase is the second player to be punished for spitting on another player this season. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected in Week 1 for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first snap of their Week 1 matchup. Because Carter never played a down, the league decided he had already served his time, but still fined him $57,222.
A fine could still come Chase's way as well, but losing both his game check and game active roster bonus money would be a much larger blow to his bank account.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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