The Cincinnati Bengals have been to a Super Bowl under Zac Taylor’s regime. As such, not many have questioned the coach’s plan with much over the last couple of seasons. However, his answer to a question about Ja’Marr Chase’s absence from practice this week was a headscratcher.
According to an ESPN article, Chase’s absence was apparently all “part of a plan,” per Taylor.
Here’s how the article explained it:
“‘I’ve got clear communication with all these guys,’ Taylor said while adding that Chase’s specific absence is part of ‘a plan that he and I have in place.'”
So, not only is there a plan, but the plan is with Chase. The wide receiver was seen wearing a ball cap on Thursday instead of a helmet. It remains unclear if the absence or the plan could be an extended one.
Chase is tip-toeing his way into a contract negotiation. Currently, the wide receiver is covered through the end of the 2025 season. However, 2024 marks his final year on his original rookie deal. The Bengals have picked up his fifth-year option. This is customary as teams often like to start negotiations around the fourth year of a player if they intend to keep him.
Some teams wait longer (like the Dallas Cowboys) and some get a deal done sooner. The Bengals can decide which pattern they will fall into.
Nevertheless, his absence and the timing of his contract could be related. At least, that is what the knee-jerk reaction is. Either way, Bengals fans would like to see Chase back on the practice field as soon as possible as the team preps to cash in on Joe Burrow’s most expensive salary in the NFL.
Bengals face potentially massive 2025 problem with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase
Chase’s absence comes while his backup, Tee Higgins, chases his next deal. The Bengals franchise tagged Higgins, preventing him from leaving to test free agency. This has created a conundrum for Cincinnati.
With Burrow paid and two big receivers looking for long-term solutions, the franchise has its backs against the wall. If Chase doesn’t get an extension this year, he could be more expensive next year. Meaning, the Bengals might need to let Higgins walk to keep Chase.
Meanwhile, Higgins could be another source of drama if he gets hit with another franchise tag. With only one franchise tag to go around, the Bengals could be forced to let either Higgins or Ja’Marr Chase walk, hampering Burrow next season.
It wasn’t long after paying Patrick Mahomes that the Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill. Could Burrow’s salary force another wide receiver’s exit?
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