Zach BacharContributor INovember 8, 2024
Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Ja’Marr Chase’s representatives celebrated his big night against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football.
Caitlin Aoki, the agent of the Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver, wrote that Chase “keeps making my job easier” in a post on X.
caitlin aoki @caitlinaoki13
he keeps making my job easier lmao
The 24-year-old hauled in 11 receptions for 264 yards and three touchdowns in Baltimore.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
BURROW TO JA’MARR CHASE 67-YD TOUCHDOWN 🔥
NOBODY COULD CATCH HIM 😤
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/g25Wv3jKNg
Chase and the Bengals were unable to agree to a long-term contract extension before the start of the regular season.
The receiver held in throughout training camp, showing up to Cincinnati’s facilities without participating in practice as he awaited a potential extension.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Chase and the Bengals “came close to reaching a deal” before Week 1 of the regular season, but the team’s offer didn’t meet his desire to reset the wide receiver market. Per Fowler, people “around the league” expected Cincinnati to pay Chase “somewhere between” the contracts handed to CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Jefferson and Lamb own the two highest contracts among all receivers in terms of average value, playing on deals worth $35 million and $34 million per year respectively (via Spotrac).
As for Chase, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft is still on a rookie deal that keeps him under contract through 2025, giving both sides another chance to figure out an agreement during the upcoming offseason.
Chase’s asking point will likely increase following his 2024 campaign, though. Entering Thursday’s action, he already recorded 55 catches for 717 yards and seven touchdowns.
NFL @NFL
OH MY JA’MARR CHASE. ELECTRIC 63-YARD TD.
📺: #CINvsCAR on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/KwYspR7roj
With teammate Tee Higgins set to enter unrestricted free agency in 2025, the Bengals will likely work harder to secure a long-term deal with Chase so that they don’t risk losing multiple standout receivers.
After his stellar performance against the Ravens, it should be easier for Chase’s representation to negotiate a hefty extension for the wideout.