Leading up to the NFL draft, many analysts and Cincinnati Bengals fans were excited about the potential partnership between quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. The two stars previously played together at Louisiana State University and formed a dynamic duo on the field.
The Bengals ultimately selected Chase with the fifth overall pick in the draft, reuniting him with Burrow in Cincinnati. However, as training camp approaches, there has been some concern over Chase’s contract situation and whether he will sign in time to participate in the team’s preseason activities.
Chase is represented by agent Todd France, who is known for taking a hard-line approach in contract negotiations. France’s clients include several high-profile players, such as Aaron Donald, Julio Jones, and Khalil Mack, all of whom have been involved in contentious contract negotiations at various points in their careers.
The Bengals have a recent history of being more cautious in negotiations with their top draft picks. This approach was evident in 2020 when the team took quarterback Joe Burrow with the first overall pick and signed him to a standard four-year rookie contract.
However, given Chase’s status as a top-five pick and his connection to Burrow, the Bengals may be more willing to bend their usual negotiating practices. The team has expressed confidence that a deal will be worked out, with head coach Zac Taylor stating that negotiations are “moving in the right direction.”
Chase, meanwhile, has been focusing on preparing for the upcoming season amidst the contract uncertainty. He has been working with Burrow and other Bengals players in informal offseason workouts and has been praised by teammates and coaches for his work ethic and skill.
The Bengals certainly have reason to be optimistic about Chase’s potential impact on the team. In his final season at LSU, he caught 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, earning him the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. He is widely considered one of the best wide receiver prospects to come out of college in recent years.
If Chase does indeed sign with the Bengals before training camp, he would have the chance to work with Burrow and build on their previous success together. The two players have already developed a strong rapport on the field, and their connection could be a key factor in the Bengals’ success in the upcoming season.
However, even if Chase were to miss some preseason activities due to contract negotiations, it is unlikely to severely impact his ability to contribute to the team once the regular season begins. Many players have dealt with similar situations in the past and gone on to have successful careers, and the Bengals are likely to be patient with their prized rookie.
All in all, while there is always some level of uncertainty and concern surrounding contract negotiations, Bengals fans should remain optimistic about Ja’Marr Chase’s potential impact on the team. With his talent and work ethic, he has the potential to become a star in the NFL and play a key role in the success of the Bengals in the upcoming season and beyond.
