Adam Schefter Drops New Details on Ja'Marr Chase's Contract Situation with Bengals

Ja'Marr Chase was back to his classic form on Sunday in the Cincinnati Bengals game against the Baltimore Ravens, hauling in 10 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns in the 41-38 overtime loss.

It's a great development for the Bengals, who have had a slow start to the year, going 1-4 in their first five games. While the preseason was marred with contract talks for Chase and a holdout from the star receiver, we are starting to get new details on that situation as it continues to play out.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a contract extension is not expected to come this season between the two sides, but there is confidence that they will work on things and stay together in the future.

"My understanding was that this deal is not getting done this year," Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday. "I think he would like to be there, he has said that. And I think the Bengals are interested in keeping him, they've said that."

Right now, Chase is playing in the fourth year of his rookie contract, earning $9.8 million in 2024. The Bengals have already picked up the fifth-year option in Chase through the 2025 season, but he wants to be paid similarly to his statistical peers. For reference, Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million contract this offseason, while San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract.

"Unless someone changes their stance, I don't see that deal getting done (this year)," Schefter said. "I see that deal being revisited with talks reopened this offseason. "

It seems to be in the best interest of the Bengals to get Chase under contract for the future, but time is on their side. Unless he chooses to hold out again, Chase is locked into Cincinnati for the next couple of years. Schefter doesn't see this as an issue, though.

"They're going to get a deal done with this guy, he's not going anywhere," Schefter said. "They'll figure this out eventually, but it doesn't seem like it's going to happen this season."

Chase is currently second in the NFL in receiving yards this season, with 493, trailing only Houston Texans WR Nico Collins (567). Chase is tied for the league lead in touchdowns, with five through five games.

Related: Ja'Marr Chase Made His Opinion Clear on Bengals' Overtime Decision