Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase could be seeking record contract

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Aug 30, 2024 5:18 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals likely want to keep their contract negotiations with star receiver Ja’Marr Chase from hitting Brandon Aiyuk-levels of dramatic.

The good news is the team knows exactly what Chase is looking for on his next contract, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. That could make it easier to come to some sort of an arrangement before the season starts on Sept. 8 against the New England Patriots.

“My understanding is that the two sides are still discussing a long-term extension, that, if he got it," Rapoport said , "would make him either tied for the highest-paid receiver with Justin Jefferson, or beating Justin Jefferson by one cent, which I believe is the goal by Ja'Marr Chase."

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: According to coach Zac Taylor, #Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase is expected to play Week 1. pic.twitter.com/Bdly8EPEhb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024

If Rapoport’s report is true, that would mean Chase would earn a penny more than the $140 million deal the Minnesota Vikings signed Justin Jefferson to this offseason.

Chase has one more year left on his rookie deal and when he signs a new contract, he’ll likely surpass the $30.9M-per-year salary he’s currently projected to get by Spotrac.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor either knows something everyone else doesn’t or he’s just supremely confident a deal will be struck soon, as he keeps telling reporters that Chase will play in the team’s season opener against the Patriots.

The 24-year-old wideout practiced with the Bengals a few times during the week before skipping practice on Wednesday — when he showed up to the team facility wearing street clothes and 10 minutes late.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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