Chase not Practicing

[XsandOs]

(09-06-2024, 02:48 PM)Synric Wrote: Well that puts a different perspective on the contract situations.

Ja'Marr Chase's opening statement today:
"I did not ask for a contract or demand a contract this year."

Says the front office approached him about getting a deal done in the offseason, before training camp.#Bengals | @WLWT

— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayTV) September 6, 2024

Thank you for posting this. 

The question is when exactly "before training camp" was he approached? 

Was it before/during the May 15 - May 30 timeline (Smith and Waddle signed their extensions on the 15th and 30th), or after June 3rd when Jefferson signed his?

If it was prior to Jefferson's signing, I could see the Bengals offering him a $30M AAV; given that Smith and Waddle signed after their 3rd year. It would have been higher than Smith and Waddle and compares directly to the years accrued on a rookie contract.

I do recall reading that Chase wanted to wait for Jefferson's contract to be finalized. Now Jefferson has set a standard for top tier WRs. In his case, after 4 years on their rookie contracts. 

If Chase with only three years accrued, wants a comparable contract to Jefferson; especially signing bonus/roster bonus/guaranteed dollars in the first two years - that may be difficult for the Bengals to justify. 

The difference could be ~ $27M guaranteed for two years as it currently stands vs. ~ $70M guaranteed in the first two years on the extension. 

Ultimately; if Chase is not moving and nor are the Bengals, then it may be best to stop negotiations and re-start after the season.   

But his opening comment does raise an important question. If he did not ask or demand an extension, why is he holding in/out? Is he concerned that this is headed in a similar path to the Higgins situation?

Lets hope that we get good news by tonight/tomorrow.