Chase not Practicing

[NUGDUKWE]

(08-23-2024, 10:36 PM)007BengalsFan Wrote: Ja'Marr is already signed to the Bengals for this year at a 9.8 million cap hit and 2025 (the Bengals 5th year option) at a 21.8 cap hit.  

Assuming the franchise tag jumps from the estimated 24.8 million in 2025 to around 29 million in 2026, The Bengals could easily franchise tag Chase 2 or 3 times.  

2024.......9.8 million  (current contract)
2025......21.8 million  (current contract)
2026......29 million  (estimated franchise tag for 2026)
2027......34.8 million (2nd tag is a automatic 120% increase over 1st tag)
2028.......50 million (3rd tag is automatic 144% increase over 2nd tag)

Just looking at the numbers the Bengals could have Chase on the roster the next 4 years for 95.5 million with nothing guaranteed but the current year.  If they wanted to add a 5th year, they could have Chase the next 5 years for 145.4 million with no guarantee but the current year.  If Chase doesnt like it he can sit out and get fined or he can retire like Carson Palmer and hope someone offers the Bengals several high draft picks or else that's the end of his NFL career.

Alright I've been thinking about this and they say a good deal is one all sides should feel like they win. I genuinely believe this deal is a win on all sides.
Chase win:
4yr 160 mil contract gives him title of top WR at time of signing. With 2yrs existing it really becomes a 6yr 190 mil dollar deal. Taking to age 30ish and giving him the security of the only contract he may need because who knows what the future holds for 30 yr old nfl players.
Team win: 
4yr 160 mill seems like a lot. But with the 2yr remaining it not only makes it 6yr 190 mil dollar deal but gives you the years to have some flexibility to push the cap hit around. That new 32 million dollar a year average seems like alot still but the cap has more than doubled since 2011 and that 32 mil a year is merely keeping pace with that. Meaning it's literally the same percentage cap space hit it was in 2011 for a top wr. Leaving room to still pay players at other positions. Also by signing him now they are undoubtedly saving money over waiting it out in the long term.
The fans: 
I think this is a massive fan win right now on paper. You lock up your best WR for the next several years in what may be his last contract. You keep your franchise QB happy and have essentially left open your superbowl window. Also this may help push the Bengals into the future of getting creative with the cap and giving signing bonuses and adding void years to create space.