Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase participated in drills for the first time on Sunday, according to sources cited by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Despite his participation, Chase has not yet secured a new contract.
Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler, fully engaged in practice, and the Bengals anticipate his continued participation throughout the week, as reported by The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. He had been absent from practices since the start of training camp while seeking a new long-term deal.
Although Chase has two years remaining on his rookie contract, he is eligible for an extension. The Bengals have exercised his fifth-year option for the 2025 season.
Chase has previously conducted individual work and walk-throughs during the Bengals’ camp, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Head coach Zac Taylor described Chase’s absence from team practices as part of “a plan that he and I have in place,” as reported by ESPN’s Ben Baby.
Since being selected fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Chase has exceeded expectations. He has surpassed 80 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, scoring 29 touchdowns over the same period.
Chase is a prominent candidate to surpass the current wide receiver market. Justin Jefferson of LSU leads all receivers with an average annual salary of $35 million per season, according to Over the Cap. A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyreek Hill follow, each earning over $30 million per year. Chase is set to earn $7.7 million in his fourth NFL season.
