Ja’Marr Chase’s Contract Situation Looms Over Bengals’ Training Camp
As the Cincinnati Bengals continue their training camp and prepare for the upcoming preseason game against the Chicago Bears, there is one notable absence from the team – wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The young receiver, who is in the fourth year of his rookie contract, has been present and watching his teammates at practice every day. However, he was conspicuously absent from the team’s final practice before traveling to Chicago.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor has been tight-lipped about Chase’s absence, simply stating that the situation is “day to day” and offering no further comment. This has been his consistent response throughout the entire contract extension negotiation process, which has lasted all 14 practices of camp.
The Bengals’ president, Mike Brown, made it clear before camp started that the team is eager to sign Chase to a long-term deal. Brown even went so far as to say that they would “bend over backwards” to get him signed up, calling him their second-best player. However, he also acknowledged that this may not be the best time to negotiate, indicating that the team is willing to wait for the right moment.
This patient approach is not new for the Bengals when it comes to contract negotiations. In 2015, they waited until the last possible moment to sign wide receiver A.J. Green to a major deal. Green signed the Friday before the opener of his fifth-year-option season, showcasing the team’s tendency to push deals to the brink.
Despite the ongoing contract discussions, Coach Taylor has expressed satisfaction with the communication between him and Chase. This is a positive sign, as maintaining a good relationship and open lines of communication is crucial during contract negotiations. In fact, Taylor and Chase have even been seen sharing celebratory moments during practice, indicating that there is no animosity between the two parties.
Chase’s performance on the field last season further highlights his value to the Bengals. In his rookie year, he recorded an impressive 100 receptions for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. It’s clear that he has the potential to be a key player for the team moving forward.
While the contract situation with Ja’Marr Chase may be causing some concern among Bengals fans, it’s important to remember that negotiations take time. The team has expressed their commitment to signing Chase to a long-term deal, and both sides are likely working towards finding a mutually beneficial agreement. In the meantime, fans can focus on the excitement of the upcoming preseason game and look forward to seeing Chase back on the field soon.
(Photo: Courtney Culbreath / Getty)