Ja'Marr Chase Says New Bengals Contract Is Within Reach; Status for Week 1 Still TBD

As the Ja'Marr Chase contract wait continues for the Cincinnati Bengals, the wide receiver said Friday he believes a deal is within reach, per Geoff Hobson of the team's official website.

He also said it will be a game-time decision whether he will play in Sunday's season opener against the New England Patriots and added he would likely be "limited" if he took the field.

Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters "we'll see" when discussing Chase's status for the game.

Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer shared Chase's comments in full in which he notably said he would be willing to take the field even without a new contract extension (1:30 mark):

Cincinnati is a far better team when Chase is playing, and it may need him even more than initially thought for the Week 1 game since Taylor also revealed fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins tweaked his hamstring during Thursday's practice.

"We'll see," the coach offered regarding Higgins' availability.

Whether Chase will agree to a new contract extension ahead of the 2024 campaign has been a major storyline in Cincinnati, especially when he hasn't participated in many practices. While he is signed through the 2025 season, he surely wants a new contract given the resetting of the wide receiver market this offseason.

ESPN's Adam Schefter highlighted the numerous new deals from this offseason with Chase's former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson leading the way:

By comparison, Cincinnati's No. 1 option is set to make $1.1 million in base salary this season and $21.8 million next season on his current deal.

The ball may be in the receiver's court at this point, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday: "The Bengals have made significant offers to Ja'Marr Chase. I would say at least somewhat in the neighborhood of what he wants. They do not have a deal yet. I wouldn't describe this as close, but I would say it's at least close enough for Ja'Marr Chase to practice."

Even trending toward an agreement would be welcome news for the AFC North team, as Chase is one of the best receivers in the league.

He is coming off three straight Pro Bowl seasons to start his career and finished the 2023 campaign with 100 catches for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns. Chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow shouldn't be a problem either even with the missed practice time, as they were teammates in college and have continued to thrive together in the NFL.

It remains to be seen whether Chase or Higgins will face the Patriots, but the Bengals' aerial attack will be much more dangerous if they are both on the field.