Overview

• Ja'Marr Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals were close to agreeing on a four-year, $140 million contract with $90 million guaranteed.
• The primary sticking point in negotiations was the timing of when the guaranteed money would be paid out.
• Chase played in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, recording six catches for 62 yards despite limited practice during the offseason.
• Chase expressed a desire to surpass Justin Jefferson's contract, aiming for a deal that would reset the market for wide receivers.
• With no official deadline for an extension, negotiations could continue into the season, but Chase's mental deadline was before the season started.