While contract negotiations are still ongoing, Ja’Marr Chase could still be on the field. The wide receiver is officially active for the Cincinnati Bengals’ season opener on Sunday, according to the NFL’s website. equipment.
Chase has been actively seeking a contract extension to stay with the Bengals, telling reporters on Friday that they were “pretty close” to reaching an agreement. As a result, he has been limited in training camp during negotiations, and Cincinnati reported that he was ill.
The 24-year-old was seen warming up on the field before the Bengals’ home game against the New England Patriots, indicating he could play regardless of his contract situation.
Chase still has two years remaining on his rookie contract, and the Bengals will pick up his fifth-year option in April. Under the current deal, Chase will receive $9.8 million this season and $21.8 million in 2025.
But several top receivers, including AJ Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Justin Jefferson, have paid huge long-term contracts to stay with their teams. As a result, Chase is also seeking his salary.
In his first three NFL seasons, Chase racked up 3,717 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. In 2023, he tallied a career-high 100 receptions, tying for second in a season in Bengals history. He is also one of only eight players in NFL history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in each of their first three seasons.
Chase told reporters Friday that playing the Patriots was a “last-minute decision.” Since he’s now active, it’s unlikely he’ll play much Sunday given his lack of snaps during training camp.
