"It's almost insulting" - Bengals icon skewers franchise as Ja'Marr Chase's contract drama drags on

Cincinnati Bengals icon Chad Ochocino has opened up on Ja'Marr Chase's contract drama. Chase has been a holdout and his status for Week 1 is up in the air.

Chase has two years left on his deal but has been holding out of training camp as he looks to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. Although some fans think Chase shouldn't be holding out with two years left on his deal, Ochocino stands with him.

The former NFL receiver said Chase deserves to get paid and the Bengals should reward him ahead of the 2024 NFL season (via Bleacher Report):

"If the deal is not done, I don't think he touches the field... To be playing on a contract like that, even with two years left, it's almost insulting that you want him to keep the same high level production, but don't want to pay for what he for the level he's playing at. It just makes no sense to me.

"One thing about Mike Brown is no one going to tell him what to do. And I think he doesn't want to set a precedent as far as playing a player two years early. But when you have a special player like this, these these situations only occur every so often.

"So it's only right to do right by that individual based on what he's done and what he's going to continue to do, especially with Joe Burrow at the helm."

Chase was selected fifth overall in the 2019 NFL draft and recorded 100 receptions for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Ja'Marr Chase returns to practice

Ja'Marr Chase returned to the Cincinnati Bengals practice on Wednesday. Cincinnati is set to open its 2024 NFL season at home on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

With Chase returning to practice on Wednesday, his status for Week 1 is uncertain. Bengals coach Zac Taylor wouldn't say if Chase was playing or not in Week 1.

Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow, meanwhile, says the offense will be prepared regardless:

"We'll see if that ends up happening but whatever happens, we'll be prepared for it," Burrow said, via ESPN.

The Bengals are eight-point favorites against the New England Patriots on Sunday and will want Ja'Marr Chase on the field to help prevent falling victim to a trap game.