Ja'Marr Chase discusses moving past 'BS' with Bengals in offseason

Ja'Marr Chase's 2024 coming-out party took a few weeks to arrive, but the Cincinnati Bengals star showed off his superstar form on Monday Night Football in Week 3. 

After two fairly quiet games to begin the year, Chase tallied 118 yards and two touchdowns in a narrow loss to the Washington Commanders.

From the sound of it, his big game and knocking off a bit of rust from missing the bulk of offseason workouts may have also helped him put the offseason contract dispute in the rearview mirror — at least for now. 

Chase addressed the "BS" in the offseason while stating that he's happy "it's over with," as ESPN's Ben Baby detailed.

"All this BS that was going on this offseason and prior to the season, I'm just happy that it's over with," Chase said Thursday. "I'm finally playing ball and having fun with the guys. That's what matters most for me."

Chase and the Bengals could not find common ground on a potential contract extension this offseason, meaning the former No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is playing on the final year of his rookie deal, worth just over $4.8 million.

However, Chase will enter next offseason with far more negotiating power, as he's due north of $21.8 million in 2025 under the fifth-year option. Even more importantly, Chase could simply turn down what the Bengals offer and possibly become a free agent following next season, which seems like the least likely outcome compared to the two sides working out a new deal.

Chase was the 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and has made three consecutive Pro Bowls. Through just over three seasons, the Bengals' top weapon has totaled 284 receptions for 3,932 yards and 31 touchdowns while cementing himself as one of the NFL's most electrifying pass-catchers.

One thing is certain: Chase's contract situation will be one of the league's most intriguing storylines next offseason. The Bengals are bound to pony up and pay him, but whether they quickly bump their offer/structure of the deal more to Chase's liking or try to drag it out with another negotiation will be worth monitoring.