Bengals, Chase yet to discuss extension

Ja'Marr Chase became eligible for a contract extension this offseason, but the Cincinnati Bengals have yet to discuss a new deal with the star wide receiver.

"I can't say for sure where any of it will go," Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn said Wednesday, according to Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But we certainly are going to study up on it and see what we can figure out to try to get the best result we can for the club one way or another."

Chase likely wants to wait until Justin Jefferson signs an extension with the Minnesota Vikings before he begins negotiations, notes Conway.

The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the NFL's best wideouts since being drafted fifth overall in 2021. Chase has averaged 101 catches for 1,404 yards and 11 touchdowns per 17 games played. He was named 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year and has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of his NFL seasons.

Jefferson - Chase's teammate at LSU and a first-round pick in 2020 - is expected to reset the wide receiver market with his eventual extension. Since 2021, Jefferson ranks second behind only Tyreek Hill with 4,499 receiving yards. Chase places seventh on that list with 3,717.

Chase isn't the only star Bengals receiver looking to cash in, though. Tee Higgins - a two-time 1,000-yard wideout - recently requested a trade after Cincinnati used the franchise tag to keep him off the open market at the end of his rookie contract.

"The plan is to certainly get through this year," Blackburn said of Higgins' contract situation, according to Conway. "Our job is to get to these next phases, start looking at the whole overall roster, and see how we can fit everything together."

In September, the Bengals rewarded quarterback Joe Burrow with a five-year extension worth a record $275 million. Cincinnati already parted ways with Joe Mixon this offseason, trading its longtime running back to the Houston Texans.