The Cincinnati Bengals surprised no one with Wednesday’s Ja’Marr Chase news.
Per The MMQB‘s Albert Breer: “The Bengals have exercised WR Ja’Marr Chase’s fifth-year option. I imagine the conversation on doing that lasted about five seconds.”
The Bengals then confirmed this news, posting this message on X: “We have exercised the option to extend contract of WR Ja’Marr Chase.”
Since entering the league in 2021, Chase has consistently been one of the top receivers in the NFL.
Already a three-time Pro Bowler and Offensive Rookie of the Year, the former fifth overall pick has racked up 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns over his first few seasons and that’s while missing six games.
Since reuniting with his fellow LSU star Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, the pair have helped bring the Bengals back to contention in the AFC and made a Super Bowl for the first time since 1988.
In the seven postseason games he’s played for the Bengals, Chase is already the franchise’s career leader in playoff catches (45) and receiving yards (588).
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown just signed a massive four-year, $120 million extension with $77 million guaranteed. So expect Chase and others to be looking at that figure when it’s time to negotiate their new deals.