As the Cincinnati Bengals’ final preseason game quickly approaches, there has been no Ja’Marr Chase this summer.

Although Chase did not practice or play during the preseason, he attended every practice and even traveled with the team to Chicago.

However, it is safe to assume that behind closed doors negotiations between both parties about a long-term extension are taking place.

A report came out today from Local 12’s Richard Skinner that looks at some eye-popping contract numbers in the world of the Bengals.

If this happens, it would be the largest wide receiver contract in football history, surpassing that of Vikings star Justin Jefferson.

AtoZ sportswriter John Sheeran perfectly explains Chase’s current contract situation regarding his rookie deal and even goes into detail about how the numbers would play out with that contract option.

“The numbers reported by Skinner are what would be added to Chase’s existing contract. He is scheduled to make $26,678,679 in cash over the next two years, and when you include the signing bonus spread over the entire term of his rookie contract, the total cap hit for both years is $31,622,250,” Sheeran explained.

“Two years and $31,622,250 plus four years and $160 million equals six years, or $191,622,250 in total salary obligations for the Bengals. The real present value Chase would earn is $186,678,679. There may be $40 million a year in new money, but the real average annual value (AAV) is way down at $31,113,113.”

This reported number is ultimately lower than Justin Jefferson’s current AAV, which is $31,948,600.

If this deal can be completed before next season, Chase would be under contract in Cincinnati for at least six more seasons, giving the Bengals plenty of time to fully pay off the four-year extension.

For those who say the numbers are far too high and unfair, Joe Goodberry has a simple and powerful rebuttal that all fans should read.

Simple. Get the deal done and keep Burrow and Chase together for the long term.