After collaborating in some mild practices earlier within the week, Bengals vast receiver Ja’Marr Chase noticed apply from the sideline over the previous few days. This tactic gave the impression to be a resumption of his coaching camp hold-in, with the wideout persevering with to hunt a profitable contract extension. With Week 1 quickly approaching, it appears like Chase’s efforts could also be working.
In accordance with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals have “intensified” their efforts to increase Chase in latest days. The group’s purpose is to get the wideout again on the apply subject for the beginning of subsequent week, and there’s some optimism throughout the constructing that the 2 sides can discover widespread floor.
As famous all through this saga, Chase’s two remaining years are a negotiation hurdle. Fowler provides extra context, noting that the Bengals are cautious of guaranteeing an excessive amount of cash once they nonetheless have the previous first-round decide locked in by the 2025 marketing campaign.
From a total-value perspective, the Bengals are greater than keen to satisfy Chase’s calls for. Per Fowler, the group is keen to pay Chase greater than $30M per season. Nonetheless, it was assumed the entrance workplace must promise this AAV, contemplating six wideouts are actually at or above that threshold. We heard just lately that a number of groups count on Chase to high Justin Jefferson‘s $35M AAV, but it surely appears like Chase’s ensures would path Jefferson’s $88M-plus in assured cash.
With the wideout attending apply, Chase appeared to have deserted his hold-in earlier this week. Zac Taylor was definitive that his star wideout can be obtainable for Week 1, however issues took a flip because the week went on. Chase attended practices on Wednesday and Thursday however was noticed sporting road garments, and Taylor was fast to stroll again his earlier feedback.
Taylor’s declaration may find yourself being appropriate. Nonetheless, it appears like the 2 sides nonetheless have to beat their contract staring contest earlier than subsequent Sunday.
