Ja'Marr Chase's Two-Word Response To Bengals Drama

There is so much drama surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals' passing game that is dissipating with news of Tee Higgins accepting the franchise tag.

Ja'Marr Chase was inactive for Thursday's practice session, missing the first two days of Cincinnati's training camp. When reporters asked if his unexplained absence was related to a contract dispute, the star wide receiver didn't exactly dissent.

"No comment," he told Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer .

Chase has been among the most dynamic playmakers in football since the Bengals selected him with the fifth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. He finished with a career-best 100 catches for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns last season, earning Pro Bowl honors for the third year running.

Unlike Higgins, Chase entered the offseason with his contract still in place. But he's now eligible for an extension that logic suggests could feature a salary approaching Justin Jefferson's record-setting $35 million, over $10 million more than the former LSU standout is set to earn on the option year of his current contract in 2025.

Few players have provided more bang for their buck over the last three seasons than Chase. The massive raise he wants is very well-deserved.

But in the wake of refusing to meet Higgins' demands in contract talks, almost cementing his departure after this season, don't be surprised if the Bengals take a similarly hard-line approach with Chase.

We'll see just how far Chase takes his brand of training-camp gamesmanship as kickoff of the 2024 season draws closer and closer.

Related: Patrick Mahomes Is All Over Social Media After 'Brilliant' Training Camp Showing