Ja'Marr Conflict Turns Nasty; Future Bengals Trade?

Ja'Marr Chase is shutting it down. Not on the field, the Cincinnati Bengals surely hope - though the Cleveland Browns, their AFC North rivals, would love that - but rather, at the negotiating table.

And this could mean long-term trouble in Cincy.

Chase and the Bengals have been in talks for months but did not reach a deal before the start of Week 1, an unofficial "deadline'' of sorts. Meanwhile, he's watched as Minnesota's Justin Jefferson (four years, $140 million) and the Dallas Cowboys' CeeDee Lamb (four years, $136 million) have broken the bank.

Chase wants the same. So he was a "hold-in'' for a time before suiting up in Cincy's weird Week 1 loss to the lowly Patriots. And now his future with the Bengals could be in doubt. And here's why: He feels lied to, claiming that he was essentially promised an extension. And he's not only under contract for this year; thanks to his fifth-year option, he's stuck with the Bengals for next season as well, if the team choses to be unbending in negotiations.

Chase's argument? He has been a Pro Bowler every year he's been in the league, putting him on par with Jefferson and Lamb. But no matter how much he argues, the Bengals are in charge. For two years, and maybe more if they choose to franchise-tag him in 2026.

He will surely ask for a trade. Soon. And often. And in the end?

Something's gotta give. These things usually work themselves out. But these things can also derail an otherwise good team ... something for the rest of the AFC North to eyeball.