Jeremy Fowler believes the Bengals have the most pressing offseason responsibility.
One of the biggest storylines this past offseason was the potential extension of star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
The Cincinnati Bengals had the opportunity to get the extension finished but never seemed pressed to make it happen.
Entering the Bengals’ bye week, Chase was leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, which will raise the contract negotiation price even higher this upcoming offseason
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the Bengals now have the top looming offseason decision with Chase and his well-deserved extension.
“Will the Bengals pay Ja’Marr Chase?” Fowler wrote. “They absolutely should. Chase is making a compelling argument as the league’s best receiver, chasing the triple crown with 73 catches for 1,056 yards and 12 touchdowns. Though Justin Jefferson has been the consensus top receiver over the past two years, many scouts and coaches believe Chase strikes more fear in opponents because of his big-play ability. He’s validating that belief, which means the price tag only goes up.”
Fowler continued writing, “The belief leaguewide is, yes, the Bengals did get close to extending Chase’s contract leading up to Week 1, but while the per-year annual average on that contract offer was sufficient, the structure of the deal (guarantees) was not what he wanted. Now Chase is well-positioned to clear Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million bar and then some. Will the Bengals oblige? It seems like a no-brainer, but that’s still a hefty price tag for a team considered fiscally responsible. The feeling here is Cincinnati lets Tee Higgins walk in free agency and allocates resources for Chase, a 2026 free agent. If not, expect Chase to stay far away from the team for a while.”
The Bengals will have their hands full with Chase this offseason and better pay him top dollar, because another team most certainly will.
