The Cincinnati Bengals had contract talks with Ja'Marr Chase before the 2024 season but couldn't strike a deal.
They may regret that since Chase upped his value considering how he played this season, finishing with 127 receptions for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns.
He became the sixth wide receiver in the Super Bowl era and the 13th all-time to win the triple crown by leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who also had an outstanding season, wants nothing more than for Chase to get the money he deserves.
“I don’t know what more he could show and do to prove himself. We have several guys like that, who have stepped up for us, and deserve to be paid what they’re worth," Chase said, via Albert Breer.
Extending Chase should be a high priority for the Bengals this offseason since their offense isn't the same without him on the field. If they can get a deal done, they'd likely turn their attention to fellow star wide receiver Tee Higgins, who will be a free agent in March.
Higgins played on the franchise tag this season and will get a boatload of money if he gets to the open market without a contract. He finished the 2024 season with 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Bengals have had the luxury of having two No. 1 wide receivers for the last several seasons but that may be ending since both want to be well compensated.
The Bengals had a lot of promise heading into this season, especially with Burrow back healthy, but they finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs for a second straight season.
Burrow was especially great this season, finishing with 4,918 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions. It was the best statistical season of his career.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!