Joel Corry, a former NFL agent and current CBS Sports analyst, warns that the situation between Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals could turn contentious. Corry notes that Bengals president Mike Brown made contradictory remarks at a recent media luncheon, acknowledging Chase’s value to the team while also downplaying the likelihood of a contract deal this year. Corry believes these mixed signals could lead to increased tension between Chase and the franchise.
Corry suggests that Ja’Marr Chase might be using Justin Jefferson’s recent deal with the Minnesota Vikings as a reference point for his own negotiations. Jefferson’s contract, which is worth a record $140 million over four years with $110 million guaranteed, could serve as a benchmark for what Chase aims to secure in his own contract discussions.
As Corry notes, the fact that Chase’s draft class peers, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, recently secured contract extensions with the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins respectively might be on Chase’s mind.
However, resolving this issue isn’t straightforward at the moment.
Corry adds, “Even if the Bengals manage to address Chase’s hold-in by threatening disciplinary action, it could have repercussions on the team’s season. Without a new contract, Chase might take extra precautions with any injury, no matter how minor, to avoid aggravating it. For instance, he might choose to fully recover from a soft tissue injury or an ankle sprain instead of rushing back to play.
“There’s a distinction between being healthy and being fit to play. For example, some believe that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s struggle to return from a late-season left knee injury in 2022 was connected to his contract situation.”
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