Bengals JaMarr Chase talks early contract extension, admits it could affect Tee Higgins fut

The Cincinnati Bengals are already eliminated from postseason contention with one game left in the ongoing season. Naturally, the fans are already looking ahead to the next season. Fans and experts are now wondering how Ja’Marr Chase‘s contract extension will work out, especially since the Bengals also have to hand a new contract to their other star wide receiver Tee Higgins.

During Thursday’s press conference, reporters asked Ja’Marr Chase about his plans for a contract extension with the Bengals and whether he is planning to take a pay cut. Chase said he is looking to get the extension done in the upcoming off-season itself, instead of taking it to the next season.

Lord knows, I want to do that. I mean, but we’ll see what happens.

Chase told reporters

Furthermore, he was also asked whether he would be willing to take a pay cut that would allow the Bengals to keep their other star receiver Tee Higgins, who is currently playing in the last year of his rookie deal.

That's a good question. Who knows? It depends on how much I'm taking. It depends at the end of the day, because then I might not really be taking a cut. It might come from somewhere else.

Chase said on Thursday

#Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase says that he wants his money up front this offseason. He also wonders whether Tee Higgins might return with him.

“It depends on how much I’m taking.”pic.twitter.com/TlUwPKzWkN

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 5, 2024

The 23-year-old wide receiver — who struggled with some injuries throughout the season — caught a career-high 96 passes for 1,197 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. In his three years in the league, Chase has received three Pro Bowl nods, three 1000-plus receiving yards, and has been named to the second-team All-Pro squad 1 time.

Chase still has one year left in his rookie deal and the Bengals also have a choice to pick his 5th-year option. He also said he is waiting for his former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson to get his contract done. Chase believes Jefferson could change the market for the wide receivers.

Bengals would prioritize Ja’Marr Chase over Tee Higgins

The Bengals have a big problem ahead of them. Just a year after they handed out a massive contract to their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow, now they have to find a way to keep both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

But, they will be prioritizing Chase over Higgins since the former has certainly made a bigger impact on the organization compared to the latter. Besides, Higgins also had one of the worst campaigns of his career, which will give the Bengals an upper hand in the negotiations.

Nonetheless, they will take care of it in the upcoming off-season. For now, they will be focused on defeating their AFC North opponents Cleveland Browns, who they are scheduled to face this weekend.

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