Bengals HC Zac Taylor addresses Ja'Marr Chase’s absence from training camp amid contract saga
Ja'Marr Chase suddenly became a bigger topic in the Cincinnati Bengals training camp. The wide receiver was present at the facilities and watched practices as his team prepared for the season, but he was away from the field as he looked for a new contract.
On Tuesday, however, the outlook was different: Chase didn't even report to the facilities to add pressure on the front office.
After his absence was noted by reporters from all outlets, everyone knew what was going to be the major topic of Zac Taylor's press conference following practice. The head coach addressed the situation, but didn't reveal much beyond the basics:
"Ja'Marr, day-to-day, we'll take it one day at a time, I don't have any comment beyond that," Taylor said per the Cincinnati Enquirer.
With the wide receiver market warming up massively during the 2024 offseason, it's no wonder why Chase wants to sign a new deal now: the sooner he does it, the sooner he can sign another extension on his prime.
Ja'Marr Chase is absolutely worthy of a huge contract extension
Since being drafted 5th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Chase has not disappointed. In his rookie year, he broke the record for receiving yards by a rookie in a single season, totaling 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. His combination of explosiveness, speed, and ability to make tough catches make him a big-play machine.
Ja'Marr Chase also has incredible chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow, whom he played with since LSU. This connection has resulted in many explosive plays and memorable touchdowns. In 2023, the quarterback's absence impacted his game a bit, but the quality has always been there: make no mistake, Chase has the skills to be the best in the league.
When you look at the contract extensions signed in the 2024 season, Justin Jefferson is the one commanding the troops with a $35 million per year average. The Bengals' superstar is going to demand close to this number, and mind you, it's absolutely fair.
This is a season where the Bengals will also be without Tyler Boyd, so the numbers could go even higher. Ja'Marr Chase has the quality to produce even more.