Ja’Marr Chase supply: AP Just some days after the Dallas Cowboys made vast receiver CeeDee Lamb one of many highest-paid receivers within the NFL, Ja’Marr Chase pulled the funniest stunt ever.
Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals are sizzling and heavy in contract negotiations. He’s been a “hold-in” at follow and has been across the crew, however has solely practiced intermittently. In keeping with experiences, Chase is looking for an analogous deal to LSU teammate Justin Jefferson, who acquired a four-year deal value as much as $140 million from the Minnesota Vikings.
On Tuesday, Bengals coach Zac Taylor stated that he expects Chase to be a full participant in follow transferring ahead because the crew will get prepared for his or her Week 1 matchup with the New England Patriots.
However Chase rolled into follow late, shades on, and, you guessed it, didn’t follow.
Chase’s strut in that four-second video might dwell on in Bengals lore perpetually if this deal someway doesn’t get performed.
Taylor backtracked his statements in Wednesday’s press convention with the media, admitting that he might need spoken too quickly about Chase’s contract scenario and refusing to state whether or not he anticipated Chase to play Week 1.
“I believe I most likely put my foot in my mouth talking too shortly,” Taylor stated. “This can be a day-to-day scenario. We’ll simply hold seeing it as that.”
Whoops. Appears like Chase should have put his foot down. And Taylor is placing his personal into his mouth.
Chase deserves to be paid. There’s no query about that. He’s one of many high receivers within the NFL, racking up 3,717 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns in simply three seasons.
The No. 5 total decide within the 2021 NFL Draft nonetheless technically has two years left on his contract, so one thing has to get discovered ultimately. To not point out, they’ll have the franchise tag to make use of on him after subsequent yr’s fifth-year possibility, they usually confirmed they’re not afraid to make use of it by tagging Tee Higgins this offseason.
It’s simply simpler to present Chase the cash that he deserves. However we all know how Mike Brown runs these Bengals. It’s by no means a assure.
So, regardless that the Bengals might technically play full hardball and never prolong Chase for 4 extra seasons, the 24 year-old receiver is already placing his foot down.
It’s arduous to see Chase giving in right here. These Gen Z NFL athletes are constructed in another way. They’ve acquired pettiness of their veins. To not point out, Chase simply noticed this saga play out together with his teammate, Higgins, who nonetheless doesn’t have his personal contract scenario resolved.
Chase must hold exhibiting up late and doing his personal factor till that payday arrives. It may very well be nice comedy.