After Justin Jefferson signed a new contract last week, it is clear that the Bengals need to prioritize getting their receiver Ja’Marr Chase signed as soon as possible. Despite having two years left on his rookie deal worth $31.6 million, Chase could benefit from Jefferson’s new deal that averages $35 million per year. By following a similar structure and simple copying and pasting, the team could secure a lucrative extension for Chase.
For example, the Bengals could offer Chase a three-year, $105 million extension, matching Jefferson’s new-money average of $35 million per year. This would result in a five-year, $136.6 million deal with a total value at signing of $27.32 million. Alternatively, they could go for a four-year, $140.4 million extension, bumping Chase’s average to $35.1 million per year and resulting in a six-year, $172 million deal with $28.66 million per year from signing.
The key is to act quickly to lock in a favorable deal for Chase, as it can make a significant difference in the long run. Jefferson’s contract sets a high bar, but the Bengals can structure Chase’s extension to benefit both parties. The sooner the Bengals get it done, the better. As a hypothetical team manager, a prompt agreement would be my priority to ensure a successful outcome for all parties involved.