Ja'Marr Chase Situation Gets Concerning Update Amid Holdout Speculation

The Cincinnati Bengals may have an "under-the-radar" contract situation brewing with star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, at least according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.

Schefter offered a somewhat concerning update for Bengals fans and fantasy football managers during an August 19 appearance on ESPN's "Fantasy Football Now."

"This is the one, to me, that remains the most mysterious because unlike Brandon Aiyuk and CeeDee Lamb, Ja'Marr Chase has two years left on his contract, not one," Schefter said.

"From my understanding, there hasn't been a whole lot of progress, and if there's not a lot of progress you wonder what's next," Schefter added.

Schefter also alluded to recent comments from former Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco while speaking on "The Adam Schefter Podcast."

When asked what would happen with the 24-year-old Chase if a new contract doesn't get done this week or this season, Ochocinco offered a blunt rebuttal.

"He's not touching the field," the 6-time Pro Bowler responded. "This is one of the certain players, they can separate their love of the game and business. ... This is the only way to get deals done. CeeDee Lamb is doing the same thing. Brandon Aiyuk is doing the same thing. You have to let the owners know."

"No, absolutely not," Ochocinco added on whether Chase plays Week 1 without a new deal. "He's not touching the field."

While Ochocinco acknowledged Joe Burrow likely wouldn't allow Cincinnati's front office to drag things out, Chase is set to earn a base salary of $1.05 million in 2024 before it escalates up to $21.8 million in 2025 on a fifth-year club option.

Related: Should Fans Be Worried About Ja'Marr Chase Situation?