Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been absent from practice for the second consecutive day, with coach Zac Taylor stating that it is part of an agreed-upon plan between the two of them. Taylor did not provide a timeline for Chase’s return to practice, leading to speculations about the nature of his absence. While Taylor emphasized that Chase is healthy, there are concerns about whether his absence is contract-related. Despite being questioned about a possible contract holdout, Taylor maintained that Chase’s absence is part of the team’s plan.
There are growing suspicions that Chase’s absence from practice may be linked to his desire for a contract extension on his rookie deal. The Bengals drafted Chase with the fifth overall pick in 2021, and he has quickly established himself as one of the team’s best players. Having made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons, Chase has set franchise records and is clearly looking for a significant financial reward for his performance on the field.
Chase’s contract negotiations are also influenced by his college teammate Justin Jefferson, who recently signed a lucrative deal worth $140 million with the Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson’s contract, including $110 million guaranteed, set a new record for non-quarterbacks in NFL history. Chase has openly expressed his desire to be compensated in a similar manner, highlighting the importance of financial considerations in his next deal.
Despite Chase’s absence from voluntary workouts in the offseason and limited participation in team activities, Bengals team president Mike Brown has indicated that a deal for Chase is not imminent. Brown suggested that the die has already been cast regarding Chase’s contract situation, hinting at potential challenges in reaching a resolution. Chase’s decision to report for training camp ensures that his contract continues to accrue for another year, as the team exercised his fifth-year option for 2025 at $21.8 million.
As the Bengals continue their training camp without Chase’s full participation, the uncertainty surrounding his contract situation remains a significant storyline. Taylor’s reassurances about the plan in place between him and Chase do little to quell speculations about a potential holdout. While Chase’s on-field performance has been stellar, the financial aspects of his contract negotiations add a layer of complexity to his relationship with the team. With no clear timeline for when Chase will return to practice and ongoing discussions about a contract extension, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the resolution of this situation.
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