The Cincinnati Bengals are set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium looking to avoid finishing the season with a 0-2 record. But it seems like outside distractions continue to plague this team at inopportune times.
More news: Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase was close to extension, but one crucial detail derailed negotiations: report
As the first week of the NFL season approaches, Cincinnati and star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have failed to agree on a new contract. Chase believes he deserves to become the NFL’s highest-paid receiver and has almost waited to make it happen.
The two sides could reach an agreement and now the relationship seems a little fragile.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Chase believes the Bengals “misled” him about their intention to sign him to a contract extension this offseason. Schefter reported the news on social media.
“Negotiations between Chase and the Bengals are on hold for now, and likely for the remainder of the season, unless the team does something to change the situation,” Schefter wrote. “According to sources, the star receiver believes the Bengals misled him when they told him late last season, and again during the offseason, that he would get an extension that ultimately did not happen.”
The two sides should likely talk again next season, but that could end up costing Cincinnati some leverage with Chase. Cincinnati has a long history of waiting too long to negotiate player deals and it has cost them dearly in the past.
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Signing Chase to a long-term contract should be a priority for the Bengals. The LSU product is part of what keeps the offense running smoothly and has clearly proven his value to the franchise since being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Last season, Chase caught 100 passes for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns.
Fortunately for Cincinnati, Chase decided to play without a contract extension. He will be a key piece for the Bengals if they want to beat the Chiefs on Sunday.
Chase spoke confidently about the Bengals in the days leading up to the game, even going so far as to say Cincinnati was the team to beat in the AFC.
“Everybody knows that, bro,” Chase said Thursday. “It’s not a question of ‘if.’ We’re the team to beat in the AFC. And we know that. And we have to play like it.”
For Cincinnati to beat the Chiefs, Chase will have to have a special day. His partner Tee Higgins will likely miss the game due to injury, so Chase will be the focal point of the attack. Hopefully he can put in a good performance and that can jump-start negotiations between the two sides.
More news: CeeDee Lamb Gives Advice to Ja’Marr Chase Amid Contract Dispute
