The Cincinnati Bengals, perhaps, did not think that they would need to worry about a contract extension for three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase for another year. After all, he is entering his fourth season in the NFL and has his fifth-year option for 2025. However, as CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk have shown this offseason, that fifth-year option is no guarantee that a player will happily enter their fifth season happy to be playing on an extended rookie contract.
That being said, Chase showed up to Bengals training camp wanting a new contract extension despite still being under the terms of his rookie contract for two more seasons. He refused to participate in any practices or preseason games (which he likely would not have played in anyway) until the team and his agents came to terms on a new deal.
Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase Has Ended His Hold-In
That is, Chase refused to practice until today. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has not come to terms on a new contract with Cincinnati, but has decided to return to practice for the first time since training camp began.
Sources: #Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase practiced today.
No new contract yet. But for the first time in camp, Chase was on the field. pic.twitter.com/7pY6afxDcp
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 25, 2024
During his hold-in, Chase was often seen doing individual drills and light work on the sidelines while his teammates practiced. Pelissero notes that this was a full return to practice for the wide receiver, not just more light work.
The Bengals have wrapped up their preseason contests, going 0-3 with their most recent loss coming at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts 27-14 on Saturday.
Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase Has Been One of the Best Pass Catchers in the NFL
Chase was first drafted by the Bengals with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has more than lived up to the expectations of a player who was drafted that high.
As a rookie in 2021, Chase had 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. He won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, was named Second Team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl.
The next season saw Chase play in just 12 games due to a hip fracture and labral tear. However, he still put up 87 receptions for 1,046 yards and nine touchdowns. Once again, he was named to the Pro Bowl.
Last season, playing in 16 games due to a shoulder sprain late in the year, Chase had a career-high 100 receptions while also recording 1,216 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive season.
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