Bengals share concerning update on Ja'Marr Chase contract negotiations

The time has come for the Bengals to begin paying their star players. 

Joe Burrow was the first to receive his big pay day, signing a five-year, $275 million contract that made him the highest paid quarterback in NFL history last offseason.

Next up seems to be All-Pro wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. However, executive vice president Katie Blackburn shared negotiations between the organization and Chase's representation "haven't started" yet.

"That's sort of the next thing is just to piece together some of those things to consider and give it some thought," Blackburn said via Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "And like I said, I can't say for sure where any of it will go. But we certainly are going to study up on it and see what we can figure out to try to get the best result we can for the club one way or another."

It's a somewhat concerning development as Cincinnati can't afford to lose Chase, who has been one of the best wide receivers in the league since entering the NFL as the No. 5 overall pick in 2021.

Over the past three seasons, the 24-year-old has 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. Some of that was even without Burrow, who suffered a season-ending wrist injury last season.

Plus, fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins has requested to be traded after being placed with the franchise tag. The Bengals don't seem interested in entertaining the request, but his time with them could be nearing its end.

If that's the case, Cincinnati should do whatever it takes to keep Chase happy. This isn't to say the three-time Pro Bowler would request a trade as well, but not allowing him to hit the open market should be the team's top priority.

The Bengals could be waiting to see what kind of deal the Minnesota Vikings give All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is due for a likely market-resetting contract extension. Once that is done, it could provide the framework for Chase's deal.

Until then, however, Cincinnati will be forced to exercise Chase's fifth-year option for 2025 this spring.