Ja’Marr Chase is not getting a new contract this year.
The Bengals star receiver had been looking forward to an extension in which he reportedly wants more money than Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, though he’s attempted to downplay that publicly.
ESPN reported Saturday that, for now, talks “are off” and will likely remain that way for the season.
Chase believes that the Bengals “misled” him in the process.
According to the report, Chase was led to think he already would have an extension by the Bengals, who told him so at the end of last season.
ESPN also reported that Chase took out a $50 million insurance policy on himself for this current season to “safeguard against injury and any potential lost earnings.”
In other words, he’s taking all measures to secure a future long-term contract.
“Overall, it’s a learning process for me,” Chase told reporters earlier this month about negotiating a contract, according to the Associated Press. “Seeing how to go about the situation and keep my feelings uninvolved in it, that’s all.”
Chase had six catches for 62 yards in the Bengals’ Week 1 loss to the Patriots at home, a disappointing start to the season for Cincinnati, and he added another four catches for 35 yards during their last-second, 26-25 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.
The LSU alum was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has since emerged into one of the best receivers in the league.
He ended his rookie season in 2021 with 1,455 receiving yards, and he has topped 1,000 in each of his two campaigns since — including 1,216 last year, when star quarterback Joe Burrow only appeared in 10 games due to injury.
Chase has a club option worth under $22 million next season, the last of his current deal.