Baltimore Ravens fans can sit back and enjoy the show. The Cincinnati Bengals are currently feeling the heat from a decision made last offseason that has begun to backfire in a big way.
Despite Ja'Marr Chase’s undeniable talent and status as one of the NFL’s top receivers, the Bengals decided against extending him when they had the chance. Now, with Chase lighting up the league yet again, the Bengals’ reluctance to pay him last year has only increased his value, and it's about to cost them even more.
Ja'Marr Chase has been one of the most productive wide receivers since entering the NFL, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down in 2024. With 73 receptions, 1,056 yards, and 12 touchdowns through 11 games, Chase is playing at an elite level. His stats for this season continue to bolster the argument that he should be among the highest-paid players at his position. But the Bengals’ failure to extend him earlier has only inflated his value, making any future deal even more expensive.
Cincinnati Bengals were cheap with Ja'Marr Chase last offseason; now he's making them (literally) pay
Deebo Samuel, the star wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers, recently weighed in on the situation during an appearance on a podcast. His take was blunt:
“I bet they wish they had . Week by week, that boy showing folks like, why they should’ve just went ahead and cut the check, man," Samuel said. "Because now the Brinks truck gonna be more than one. It’s gonna be about two."
"With how he’s playing, now it’s just going to get bigger and bigger," he added. "Now you’re going to have another problem this offseason as far as, like, how much do you pay him.”
Samuel’s words perfectly encapsulate the situation. By failing to lock Chase in early, the Bengals are now faced with a dilemma: pay up or risk losing him to a team willing to meet his demands. Chase has only increased his leverage this season, and the Bengals may regret waiting for the offseason to resolve this contract dispute.
Chase’s stellar performance this season highlights just how much of an impact he’s had on the Bengals’ offense. As one of the most consistent and dangerous playmakers in the NFL, Chase has been a key part of the Bengals' success and will undoubtedly be a focal point of their offense for years to come.
The Bengals’ failure to extend Ja'Marr Chase last offseason now looks like a colossal mistake. As his value continues to climb, they are left with no choice but to pay him what he deserves, possibly at a higher price than if they’d acted sooner. Deebo Samuel’s candid remarks show that even those outside the Bengals’ organization see the situation clearly.
With Chase playing at an elite level, the Bengals are now scrambling to secure him for the long term, and the cost is only going to get higher.