The Bengals should start compensating their great players now.
The first to have his big pay day was Joe Burrow, who last offseason signed a five-year, $275 million contract, making him the highest paid quarterback in NFL history.
The All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase appears to be the next to go. Negotiations between the organization and Chase’s representation, according to executive vice president Katie Blackburn, “haven’t started” yet.
According to Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway, Blackburn stated, “That’s sort of the next thing is just to piece together some of those things to consider and give it some thought.” “As I have stated, I am unable to predict where any of it will end up. That being said, we will research it.
Cincinnati needs to go above and beyond to ensure that Chase is satisfied if that is the case. Not that the three-time Pro Bowler wouldn’t ask for a trade as well, but the team’s main goal ought to be keeping him off the free market.
The Bengals might be holding out to see what kind of offer the Minnesota Vikings make to All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is about to earn a contract extension that might reset the market. After that is finished, it might offer the structure for Chase’s agreement.
Cincinnati will have to exercise Chase’s fifth-year option for 2025 this spring in order to avoid losing out until then.
