With the Bengals’ (8-8) season finale simply a few days away, WR Ja’Marr Chase has begun peeking into 2024 with the group’s 2023 playoff hopes gone. It is secure to say he is not trying ahead to the lengthy offseason forward.
Chase stated, “it hit me this week” that this could possibly be the final sport with huge receivers Tee Higgins and/or Tyler Boyd.
“Lot of recollections. Lot of guffaws,” Chase advised reporters. “Simply a whole lot of bonding occurring with these guys. One thing I can not clarify, that is how a lot enjoyable we all the time have.”
The three gamers have created one of many league’s greatest receiving items over the previous three years (2021-23), combining for 645 catches for 8,727 yards and 59 touchdowns.
Nevertheless, their dominance on the identical group could possibly be coming to an in depth on Sunday as Higgins’ and Boyd’s contracts are set to run out on the finish of the season.
Each gamers need to be paid and sure will probably be. However that will probably be troublesome to do for Cincinnati after making QB Joe Burrow the highest-paid quarterback in NFL historical past with a five-year, $275 million deal and an enormous contract extension for Chase doubtless on the horizon.
Higgins is anticipated to obtain a four-year, $66.32 million deal whereas Boyd is projected to get a three-year, $26.14 million contract, per Spotrac.
Though Chase desires them each to remain, he is aware of there in all probability is not sufficient cash to go round and can allow them to deal with their enterprise on their very own.
“They know I need them. They know what I need,” Chase added. “Finish of the day, it is what they need. I will not maintain no person again from what they need. Allow them to be the best they are often. I assist all the pieces they do.”
It will likely be fairly an attention-grabbing offseason for the Bengals. However one factor’s for certain. So long as they’ve Burrow, they’re going to all the time have an opportunity to win a Tremendous Bowl.
