Ja’Marr Chase has done what no other wide receiver in NFL history has managed: a Triple Crown season featuring 100+ receptions, 1,700+ yards, and 17+ touchdowns. But now, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Cincinnati Bengals superstar is making one thing clear—he expects to be paid what he’s worth.
During Pro Bowl Week, Chase sat down with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge and didn’t hold back when discussing his upcoming extension.
“At the end of the day, I just hope I get what’s fair … Hopefully, I don’t put too much pressure on anybody, but I just want it to be fair, that’s all.”
When asked to define what “fair” meant to him, Chase elaborated:
“Fair is what I deserve. I can’t really say everything I want to say. It’s what I deserve, it’s what I’ve worked for, how hard I worked for. It’s a written story already. It should be fair change.”
Translation? Chase isn’t just asking for a raise—he expects to be one of the highest-paid receivers in NFL history.
Will the Bengals Break the Bank for Chase?
The Cincinnati Bengals are at a crossroads. Joe Burrow, their franchise quarterback, is already locked into a massive deal. Now, they have to decide how much they’re willing to invest in the guy who’s been his most lethal weapon since their LSU days.
The wide receiver market has exploded in recent years, with Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, and A.J. Brown all landing contracts north of $25 million per year. But given his historic season, Chase could demand even more—potentially setting a new benchmark for wideouts.
And let’s be honest: can the Bengals really afford to let him walk?
Chase Wants More Than Just a Payday—He Wants Wins
While the contract negotiations will dominate headlines, Chase is also focused on something just as important: winning.
The Bengals have built a frustrating habit over the last two seasons—starting slow and finishing strong, only to fall short of their ultimate goal. In 2024, after limping to a 4-8 record, they rattled off five straight wins to claw back into playoff contention. But it wasn’t enough.
Chase wants to change that narrative in 2025.
“Starting off better will help us in the back end of the year. So, it’s just the smaller things that we got to clean up.”
“Get a couple things on defense, hopefully, that will make us even better and just proceed to make corrections on offense that’s going to get us in the right direction.”
For Chase, a hot start could be the difference between another early exit and a legitimate Super Bowl run.
What’s Next for Chase and the Bengals?
The pressure is on Cincinnati’s front office. They have a generational talent on their hands, and the league is watching to see how they handle it.
Will they step up and make Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL? Or will tensions rise, leading to a holdout or, even worse, an eventual breakup?
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