The Cincinnati Bengals appear to be no closer to reaching an agreement on a new contract for Ja'Marr Chase. Adam Schefter appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday and had some not-so-good news for the Bengals regarding contract negotiations with Chase.
McAfee asked Schefter about Zac Taylor's previous comments in which he said he was excited to have Chase back at practice. Schefter said Taylor was talking too soon and he believes Chase's camp didn't like the Bengals trying to dictate the action to the two sides.
“I think that was Ja'Marr Chase's way of saying, 'You're not the only one in charge here.' I have a say too.”
“Zac Taylor said yesterday he spoke too soon about Ja'Marr Chase's situation…
We know that the contract negotiations are moving in slow motion and there is a lot of uncertainty here” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/1QCT5WBr6W
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) 29 August 2024
The Bengals host the New England Patriots in Week 1, and Schefter speculated on whether or not Chase would play in that game. He points out that Chase had to sit out an entire year of college football, so it's not completely out of the question that he sits out until the Bengals give him what he wants.
“Ja'Marr Chase hasn't spoken publicly, so we don't know what he's thinking,” Schefter added, but then discussed what he does know. One of which is that “contract negotiations were in slow motion.” He also mentions that Joe Burrow is three years into his contract, but Schefter plays devil's advocate, noting that Chase has two years left on his contract and they can tag him then.
“I think it's a complicated situation, and if it wasn't, it would be resolved by now,” Schefter said. That's true of most contract situations, but especially for Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals. The former fifth-round pick wants to be paid like the superstar he is, and clearly has no problem not working out until that happens.
With Ceedee Lamb getting his huge contract, Chase can now expect the amount he wants from Cincinnati, and he's obviously willing to wait for it.
Chase showed up to practice late Thursday night in a T-shirt and shorts. Bengals fans, buckle up, because this contract drama may just be getting started.
