Bengals "intensifying" efforts to make Ja'Marr Chase one of NFL's highest-paid WRs, claims insider

The new NFL season starts next week, and Ja'Marr Chase is still not practicing. The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver is seeking a contract extension, but as he has two years left on his rookie deal, the situation is quite different from the likes of CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk.

As per reports, Chase wants to be the highest-paid receiver in the league. i.e., getting a better deal than Justin Jefferson's four-year $140 million. Like Jefferson, the former LSU star is among the league's best wide receivers and deserves to get paid.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently said that the Bengals have intensified their efforts of signing Chase to a contract extension before the start of the season. He reported that there is optimism in Cincinnati and that the situation could be resolved soon as Chase is very important for the team.

Chase signing a new deal will likely result in Tee Higgins' exit from the team next season. The Bengals used the franchise tag on Higgins this offseason, and despite his trade request, the 25-year-old wideout will play for the AFC North franchise.

Ja'Marr Chase is expected to earn slightly more than $35 million in yearly salary with his new deal. It's unlikely that the Bengals wideout will reset the market with his contract extension.

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Ja'Marr Chase and Bengals season preview

Ja'Marr Chase: Cincinnati Bengals v Jacksonville Jaguars - Source: Getty

Joe Burrow was limited to only 10 games last season due to injuries, and the Bengals missed the playoffs. Now that the quarterback is fully healthy, the Bengals are once again Super Bowl contenders.

The upcoming season is crucial for Cincinnati, as they might lose several key players after this season. Higgins is a big part of the offense, which is why the team should maximize their abilities before the wide receiver departs.

It will be interesting to see how Burrow and the offense play without their former offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, who is now the coach in Tennessee. Moreover, Joe Mixon is also no longer on the team, and the pressure will be on Zack Moss and Chase Brown to produce at the same level from the running back position.

Playing in the AFC North doesn't do any favors for the Bengals, as all four teams are capable of making the playoffs. Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Burrow will keep Cincinnati relevant for years to come, though, if they aim to win a Super Bowl in a stacked AFC, this year might present their best opportunity.