A breakthrough in the case of Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals could be imminent. The fourth-year wideout said on Friday (via team reporter Geoff Hobson) an extension is “in reach.” 
While Chase added that he is prepared to play this season without an extension in hand (h/t Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network), that update points to a deal being distinctly possible before Week 1. Cincinnati has made increased efforts in recent days to get an agreement over the finish line.
That process includes a “significant” offer which is on the table as the countdown to Week 1 continues. Chase has practiced on a limited basis this week, and he termed himself a game-time decision for Cincinnati’s season opener. Team and player could continue negotiations into the regular season, but all of the other receiver mega-deals of the 2024 offseason have been worked out by now. As things stand, Chase is on the books through 2025.
The Bengals made the obvious move of picking up his fifth-year option last offseason, and as a result he is due to collect $21.82MM next year. The three-time Pro Bowler has long been on the extension radar, though, and he confirmed (via The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr.) talks have been ongoing for six months. Chase said he was informed by the front office a deal would be worked out this offseason, with today representing his artificial deadline for an extension to be signed.
Cincinnati has stood firm in terms of not breaking organizational practices by making guarantee commitments beyond the first year of an extension. Quarterback Joe Burrow represents an exception to that rule, and the same will surely be true for Chase if/when his extension is on the books. Justin Jefferson reset the WR market with a $35MM-per-year accord and nearly $89MM in guarantees. CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) and Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) have since signed big-ticket deals of their own, with Lamb in particular landing a similar commitment for locked in compensation. It remains to be seen where Chase will land in the pecking order amongst young wideouts, although his Friday comments confirmed he sees himself as the league’s top receiver.
Burrow is in place long term, and his connection with Chase has remained strong at the NFL level after their time together at LSU. Tee Higgins will play on the franchise tag in 2024, and a free agent departure would come as no surprise. Chase figures to be in the Bengals’ offensive plans for years to come, and that may be official in time for the start of the season.