Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase participated in a practice on Sunday for the first time this offseason, despite an ongoing contract dispute with the team.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided an update, indicating that while no resolution has been reached, there are positive signs in Chase’s recent actions.
Schefter emphasized that Chase’s participation can be seen as a “good faith gesture,” signaling his willingness to continue discussions with the Bengals.
“I don’t think they’re closer to a deal right now,” Schefter noted, “but this walkthrough practice was a move by Ja’Marr to keep the dialogue open, with hopes of reaching an agreement before the season starts.”
Chase, who has already established himself as one of the NFL’s top receivers with 268 receptions, 3,717 yards, and 29 touchdowns over three seasons, is seeking to renegotiate his contract earlier than usual.
Unlike other top receivers like CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk, who are in the final year of their contracts, Chase still has two years remaining on his deal. Despite this, the urgency for a new contract is apparent, and the hope in Cincinnati is that the Bengals will secure his future with the team.
