CINCINNATI — For the first time this year, Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase was not present at training camp.
While Cincinnati's top receiver hadn't participated in team activities, he always stood idly on the sidelines, wearing a hat and shades while his teammates ran routes. On Tuesday, though, he was absent.
"Ja'Marr, day-to-day. We'll take it one day at a time. I don't have any comment beyond that," head coach Zac Taylor said.
Taylor had previously stated Chase's lack of practice was part of a "plan that Ja'Marr and I have" but did not provide further information on what that plan was. Taylor had said that he has been on the same page with "everything he's done," and that he felt good about how they've communicated.
"I've been pleased with ... his interactions with his teammates and helping some of these young guys," Taylor said in late July.
Full 6-minute conversation with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor — Mostly concerning Ja’Marr Chase not practicing the first 2 days of training camp.#Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/m9FjihfWmn
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) July 25, 2024
So why is Ja'Marr sitting out?
All signs point to this being a contract-related protest.
Chase is eligible for a contract extension despite only being in year four of his five-year rookie deal (which includes the fifth-year team option Cincinnati has already exercised).
Fellow LSU alum Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings, signed an extension at the beginning of June for $140 million ($110 million guaranteed), making him the highest-paid non-QB in the league.
Chase surely will be looking at that contract as something he deserves. His stats have been on par with Jefferson's, scoring more touchdowns than his former college teammate despite having one less year in the league.
When he was asked earlier during camp if his lack of participation has anything to do with his contract, Chase said "no comment" and otherwise hasn't been available to speak with any media.
Duke Tobin, director of player personnel, said two days before training camp started that they had had conversations with Chase's agent about an extension, but one has yet to be announced.
If history repeats itself, Joe Burrow didn't get his long-term extension until just a few days before the regular season started last year. Burrow was also in the fourth year of his five-year rookie deal when the extension was announced.
Whatever the situation is, fans are ready to watch Chase in action, as demonstrated by some "We want Ja'Marr" chants heard at training camp Monday.
