Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, and as the deal nears its end, the 24-year-old is gearing up for what could be one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history.
Chase has proved his worth with his playmaking ability, which implies that he is worth top-tier money, and now he’s on the brink of securing it. After four seasons that have made him one of the league’s most dominant wide receivers, Chase has a number in mind.
Ja’Marr Chase Opens Up About Salary Expectations
Chase has maintained that he is seeking a long-term extension with the Bengals. Despite not saying much publicly about his contract negotiations, his actions and subtle comments speak volumes.
The WR was recently asked by Elise Jesse from “The Sick Podcast” about a number that would suffice for him and if it could be $35 million per year.
Chase’s smile said it all, while he reaffirmed, “That sounds good, it just sounds good.”
Does $35M sound good to Ja'Marr Chase?
"That sounds good, it just sounds good"#RuleTheJungle #thesickpodcast @EliseJesseTV pic.twitter.com/pqKOCg3Fhc
— The Sick Podcast – Deep In The Stripes (@sickpodbengals) February 6, 2025
Chase’s numbers are undeniable. In the 2024 season, he led the NFL in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17). Over his first four years, he has accumulated 395 receptions, 5,425 yards, and 46 touchdowns, making it clear that he deserves to be one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
Chase’s level of performance puts him in the same conversation as other elite players like Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who secured a record $35 million per year deal, and Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb, who is making $34 million annually.
Chase Revealed Basis for High Salary Expectation
Chase is not only demanding what he’s worth, but he’s also making sure to get what he’s earned. During an interview at the Pro Bowl Games, he stressed that fairness is key, saying, “Fair is what I deserve.”
He added, “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.”
However, the story has a twist. Cincinnati has been reluctant to make record-breaking offers in the past, and they’ve yet to agree on the finer details of a potential extension.
The Bengals’ last attempt, prior to the 2024 season, reportedly included a four-year, $140 million offer with $90 million in practical guarantees and a $30 million signing bonus, according to Spotrac. However, Cincinnati’s standard contract structure, which would not fully guarantee Chase’s money until 2027, was a sticking point for the receiver.
This leaves the Bengals in a difficult position, where they have to choose between paying Chase what he’s worth now or risking a prolonged negotiation. With the rising salary cap, it’s expected that Chase’s next contract could surpass Jefferson’s $35 million per year, and if the Bengals hesitate too long, the price will only go up.