Some would argue he’s the best wide receiver in the NFL. Now, Ja’Marr Chase appears set to get paid like it.
Chase and the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to get a new contract done “somewhere in the range of $40.1 million to $41 million per year,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday.
The deal, if completed, would make Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, surpassing edge rusher Myles Garrett’s recent four-year contract extension that pays him $40 million annually.
Chase, 25, his spent his entire four-year career with QB Joe Burrow and the Bengals. Last season, he led the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), touchdowns (17), yards per game (100.5) and yards per touch (13.4).
It was no secret that Chase 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 LSU product was originally drafted fifth overall by the Bengals in 2021 to pair with college teammate Burrow. To little surprise, the QB-WR pair has been stellar together since reuniting in the NFL.
Chase was 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 three touchdowns.