Ja’Marr Chase’s patience may soon be rewarded.
Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin told reporters on Tuesday that the team is preparing to make the star receiver the league’s highest-paid non-QB.
“We’re going to reward Ja’Marr,” added Tobin, whilst making an appearance during the NFL Draft combine in Indianapolis.
It was no secret that the 24-year-old was looking for a major payday as early as last season, when he played out the final year of his rookie deal without an extension in place, as the two sides could not come to an agreement. He even sat out of a handful of practices throughout training camp to punctuate his desires.
The Bengals then franchise-tagged him for the upcoming 2025 season to the tune of $21.8 million, per Spotrac, fresh off a career year.
Chase racked up 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. He led the NFL for receptions, targets (175), yards, touchdowns, yards per game (100.5) and yards after catch (787). Chase was the lone receiver last season to average over 100 yards receiving, doing so while playing in all 17 of Cincinnati’s games.
The LSU product was originally drafted fifth overall by the Bengals in 2021 to pair with college teammate Joe Burrow. And to little surprise, the QB-WR pair have been stellar together since reuniting in the NFL.
Chase has been a Pro Bowler in each of his first four seasons, posting totals of 395 receptions, 5,425 yards and 46 touchdowns through 62 games played. In seven career playoff appearances, Chase has 45 catches for 588 yards and 3 touchdowns.
While it’s unclear what Chase’s new deal would look like in financial terms, if Tobin’s statement rings true, it’d be greater than Justin Jefferson’s deal. The Minnesota Vikings star receiver holds the distinction of highest average paid non-QB in NFL history after signing a four-year, $140-million extension last off-season. He’s set to make $35 million annually starting in 2025.
