NFL Rumors: Latest on Ja'Marr Chase's Bengals Contract Talks After CeeDee Lamb Deal

After Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb landed a contract that made him the second-highest-paid receiver in the league on Monday, all eyes have turned to Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase's ongoing holdout.

On the latest episode of Scoop City, The Athletic's Dianna Russini offered some insight into Chase's situation.

"I think they're gonna try to work this out, but it's still on the table that they will do this later," Russini said around the 9:45 mark. "But from the conversations I had in regard to this exact situation at this moment, they want to do it, so that's a good sign."

When asked if Chase's deal will eclipse Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson's $35 million per year average, Russini said, "I don't believe so. I don't believe so, but it could happen."

Unlike Lamb and Jefferson, Chase has two years remaining on his contract, giving Cincinnati the option of waiting until next year to reward him with a new deal. The LSU product has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, and he's hoping to take advantage of the booming wide receiver market.

Chase was in attendance at training camp but didn't participate in practice while he awaited his new deal. The 24-year-old has not spoken to the media since minicamp.

Chase showed up for Cincinnati's preseason finale on Thursday and participated in practice for the first time on Sunday, which ESPN's Adam Schefter said was seen as "making a good-faith gesture by being on the field amid the negotiations, but it didn't necessarily mean the two sides were any closer to a resolution."

The Bengals are set to start practicing in full on Wednesday as they gear up for the Sept. 8 opener against the New England Patriots, so Chase's decision on his participation will indicate whether or not he's ending his holdout.

Cincinnati is looking to bounce back after falling short of the playoffs last year, so the team will need Chase to be at his best if it wants to keep pace in the competitive AFC.