Though the Bengals failed to qualify for the playoffs, their players were a dominant force. While Joe Burrow finished 2024 as the league leader in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43), their receiver Ja’Marr Chase finished with the triple crown. He led the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17). It’s also the best performance of his career. But his contract is over. And there is no extension yet.

On February 2, the last day of the Pro Bowl Games, he played for the AFC. Though they lost the game, Chase raised eyebrows with his cryptic post for the legend Eli Manning that read, “@EliManning don’t forget our lil convo. I’ll be waiting 👀😂” Is he going to the Giants? Manning played 16 seasons for them and won 2 Super Bowls.

It doesn’t mean that he was closing the door on the Bengals. The receiver explained his stance to ESPN’s Laura Rutledge on January 31 and said, “At the end of the day, I just hope I get what’s fair. Fair is what I deserve.” While Ja’Marr Chase didn’t put any price on what he deemed fair, the fans were happy.

With his impressive performance in the 2024 season, he would want a contract that puts him in range of the highest-paid WR, Justin Jefferson, who got a 4-year $140 million deal in Oct 2024.

The Bengals offered him a 4-year $140 million deal with a $30 million signing bonus in September 2024. But he rejected it as he wanted more guaranteed money than offered ($90 million). Another point was the payment timeline, as Chase wanted money to be paid earlier than offered (2027). Will the franchise ramp things up?

While the Bengals QB has repeated multiple times that the locker room wants him to be back, there is no confirmation by the front office. But his tweet sent fans into a frenzy.

Fans get crazy over cryptic tweet by Ja’Marr Chase

While one fan curiously asked the meaning behind the tweet as he wrote, “What does this mean Ja’Marr,” another one took it as a sign for him changing teams, especially the NY Giants, and tweeted, “Why would Chase wanna go there LMAO.” One thing is certain. Free agency is going to throw big surprises.

The questions popped into the minds of fans who couldn’t gather what was happening. One person tweeted, “Bro I need to know what this is about asap.” But the Bengals fanbase clearly signaled they want Ja’Marr Chase back. One of his fans mentioned, “Bait lol. Cincy isn’t letting you walk. You too good fam.”

Meanwhile, the Giants are already getting pumped about his arrival. They know he can turn around their 2025 season. One fan even made a generous offer, “Ja’marr I’ll book you a first-class ticket here if you sign lol.” With free agency opening on March 12, the Bengals have almost 40 days to make the deal.

Can they keep him? Will he walk out? The questions need serious answers.