There’s two positions the Cincinnati Bengals have had tons of historical success in drafting and developing. One is running back. From the days of Essex Johnson and Jess Phillips in the 70s to present day Chase Brown, the Bengals have had explosion in the backfield. Another undeniable position is the wide receiver room. Isaac Curtis was the Bengals first explosive wide receiver in the 1970s. So many have followed. Chris Collinsworth in the 80s, Carl Pickens in the 90s, Chad Ocho Cinco in the 00s, and A.J Green in the 10s.
The aforementioned players were all pro bowlers and legends in stripes. It’s a new day and the Bengals have a receiver that may one day hold every Bengal receiving record kept. Ja’Marr Chase is quarterback Joe Burrows main go to receiver and biggest game breaker. This is Chase’s time. Chase was the worst kept secret in college. Both Chase and Burrow led the 2019 LSU Tigers to an undefeated 15-0 record and National Championship. Some say the 2019 was the greatest college team ever fielded. It was no secret that the Bengals salivated at the chance to grab Chase first in the 2021 draft. In 2019 Chase caught 84 passes for 1,780 yards for LSU. He didn’t play opting out in 2020 due to COVID.
Since becoming a Bengal, Chase picked up right where he left off. He has averaged 1200 yards receiving since coming in to the NFL. Already the former LSU star has on his resume a rookie of the year 2021, second team all pro 2021, and a three-time pro bowler.
The Bengals have gotten off to an underwhelming start to the 2024 season. They are currently 3-5 with nearly 50% of the NFL season complete. Their latest battle was a 37-17 blasting by the Philadelphia Eagles. Chase would get nine catches for 54 yards in the Bengal’s disappointing loss.
There’s one game where Chase is playing against the Bengals. This is on a new contract. The Bengals and Chase were at odds on a new deal. While Chase is currently around the 4-5 million dollar range per year he is seeking a considerable raise. Top receivers around the league are around the 25 to 35 million dollar per year mark. No deal got done in the off season. While one will inevitable get done likely in the off season one thing is for sure. Chase will deservedly end up being one of the top paid wide receivers in the league. Chase’s production on the field has warranted the big bucks. If this was 1971, the former LSU standout may be happy with $40,000 a year salary when the average was $26,000 for receivers. Unfortunately for the Bengals this is 2024. In the end Chase may end up getting $40,000 per play during a game. By all estimations, he is worth it.