Chad Johnson Predicts Ja’Marr Chase’s Payday Will Soar Past $40 Million
Ah, the sweet smell of impending riches! Chad Johnson, the ever-enthusiastic former Cincinnati Bengals star, has boldly claimed that Ja’Marr Chase is poised to cash in on a staggering new contract—one that could exceed $40 million per year. Yes, you read that right! As Chase enters his final season before free agency, the stage is set for a financial bonanza, and Johnson seems to be the town crier, heralding the windfall on the horizon.
Now, let’s rewind a bit. Chase has been angling for a new deal for some time, and with last season’s triumphant performance—leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns—his negotiating power has skyrocketed. Johnson quipped, “They decide to wait, he wins a goddamn triple crown, and now you’ve got to pay double,” emphasizing that the price of poker has certainly gone up. In hindsight, had the Bengals acted sooner, they might have offered Chase a more palatable $30-$35 million a season. But alas, as they say, “Yesterday’s price is not today’s price.”
The Bengals seem to be warming to the idea of making Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, as indicated by Duke Tobin, the team’s director of player personnel. This declaration aligns with the broader trend in the NFL, where top wide receivers like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams have set the bar high with their lucrative deals.
But wait, there’s more! Johnson hasn’t forgotten about Chase’s teammate Tee Higgins, suggesting that he too deserves a hefty payday without any “hometown discounts.” Johnson’s insistence on fair compensation for players reflects a growing sentiment in the league, where athletes increasingly demand their worth.
However, this financial frenzy may come at a cost for the Bengals. Johnson warns that in order to accommodate these massive contracts, they might have to part ways with star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson—a sobering thought for fans who value defensive prowess.
As of now, ESPN reports that the Bengals are indeed close to finalizing deals with both Chase and Higgins, which means that the clock is ticking! Given the Bengals’ historically cautious approach to contract negotiations, one can only hope they don’t drag their feet too long. After all, while the NFL is a league built on the principle of “next man up,” it’s also a league where players are keenly aware of their market value.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and ESPN, CBS Sports
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
