CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals have exercised the fifth-year option on the rookie contract for star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the team said Wednesday.
The 24-year-old Chase is entering the fourth year of the deal. By extending his rookie contract to a fifth year, the Bengals will have more time to reach a long-term deal with the 2021 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year who figures into their long-term plans.
Chase, who was a teammate of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow at LSU in 2019, has 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns, leading the team in each category in each of the past three seasons.
Last season, Chase had a career-high 100 receptions, tying for the second most in a season in team history, for 1,216 yards and seven TDs.
Tee Higgins, the team’s No. 2 receiver who was drafted the year before Chase, will play this season with the franchise tag, keeping him in Cincinnati for at least one more season. He’ll make $21.8 million.
AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Florida man charged with murdering girlfriend's 13
Tom Hollander reveals how he considered letting himself go to become a 'fat actor' to get work
Israel says it will retaliate against Iran, despite the risks
French police evict hundreds from abandoned Paris warehouse ahead of Olympics
Investigator says Trump, allies were part of Michigan election scheme despite not being charged
Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear arguments in Democratic governor's suit against GOP
Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear arguments in Democratic governor's suit against GOP
Tennessee would criminalize helping minors get abortions under bill heading to governor
Trolls call me 'disgusting' and say 'no man will ever love me' for not shaving my body hair
New Orleans man pleads guilty in 2016 shooting death of Jefferson Parish deputy
A woman who accused Trevor Bauer of sex assault is now charged with defrauding ex