REPORT: Cincinnati Bengals Star Threatens Retirement Amidst Contract Dispute
The Cincinnati Bengals are hoping to make a run at another Super Bowl with Joe Burrow fully healthy heading into 2024, but two of their biggest star players are beyond frustrated just one day before the NFL Draft.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Bengals made a key move toward their future by locking down the 5th-year option for wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, keeping him under contract through 2025 and giving the organization some time before inking him to a long-term extension. A three-time Pro Bowler, the 21-year-old Chase will see his salary jump in 2025 from $1.1 million this coming season to a fully guaranteed $21.8 million, barring an extension being worked out.
Chase, a fourth-year player in 2024, has played and started 45 regular-season games for Cincinnati. He has caught 268 passes for 3717 yards and 29 TDs, and has led the team in each category in each of the past three seasons. He was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year following the 2021 season, and has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times.
Chase last season totaled a career-high 100 receptions, tying for the second most in a season in Cincinnati Bengals history, for 1216 yards and seven TDs. He is one of eight players in NFL history to reach the 1000-yard receiving mark in each of his first three career seasons.
Chase also has played and started seven postseason games for the Bengals, and is the team’s postseason career leader in receptions (45) and receiving yards (588).
As for a future extension for Chase, he has said that he wants to wait and see what former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson gets from the Vikings before he signs his own deal.
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