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The Cincinnati Bengals begin their 2024 season on Sunday, hosting the New England Patriots on September 8. As the offseason wraps up, a significant question looms over the team: Will Ja’Marr Chase play in the opener?
Chase has been absent from the Bengals’ offseason program, holding out in pursuit of a new contract. After rejoining practice last week, head coach Zac Taylor expressed confidence that Chase would continue practicing for the remainder of the offseason. However, the 24-year-old has since opted to sit out.
With the season opener less than a week away, Taylor acknowledged the ongoing contract discussions but did not confirm whether Chase would be available for Week 1.
“We’ll take it day by day,” Taylor told reporters on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Over the weekend, reports surfaced indicating that Chase is seeking a contract worth $0.01 more than the four-year, $140 million deal signed by Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson this offseason.
Jefferson is earning an average of $35 million annually, slightly more than Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s $34 million. These contracts made them the highest-paid at their position this offseason, and it appears Chase is aiming to join their ranks.
Fans are undoubtedly eager to see Chase take the field with the rest of the Bengals on Sunday, but Taylor emphasized that the situation remains fluid and did not guarantee Chase’s availability either way.
