Ja’Marr Chase wants a “fair” deal… We’d say, HEAR HIM OUT ’cause he’s got a real case!

But before all that, let’s ask you: ‘What’s fair?’ You see, Who Dey wanted a postseason run. Instead, they got an early exit and a lot of questions. Joe Burrow and his weapons did their part, but that defense? Let’s just say it was the kind of defensive performance that was forcing the fans to dwell in the past: Paul Brown and Bill Johnson era (a decade, ’68 – ’78). I mean, it’s also because there’s an acceptance that it’s not going to happen anytime soon in the modern day game.

Is that fair? Probably not. But, as Chase himself might tell you, fair doesn’t always line up with reality.

Speaking of fairness, Chase is making it clear—he’s not holding out, but he’s got expectations. And honestly? He should. Coming off a season where he snagged 127 passes for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns, Ja’Marr wasn’t just elite—he was the guy. He led the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, making him the latest member of the NFL’s exclusive Triple Crown club. Yeah, he was Chase-ing those numbers.

So when he says he wants to be paid what he deserves, it’s hard to argue.

Even his QB, Cincy’s own Batman, JB said it: “I don’t know what more he [Chase] could show and do to prove himself.” He added: “We have several guys like that, who have stepped up for us, and deserve to be paid—deserve to be paid what they’re worth.” That’s not just quarterback talk—that’s the Bengals hero going to bat for his top target.

And Chase? He’s just stating facts. “At the end of the day, I just hope I get what’s fair,” he told ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. “…Hopefully I don’t put too much pressure on anybody, but I just want it to be fair, that’s all.” Sounds simple enough. But “fair” in NFL contract terms? That’s where things get interesting.

So, what exactly is fair? Ja’Marr Chase isn’t spelling it out, but he doesn’t have to. “Fair is what I deserve!” Translation? The Bengals better be ready to back up the Brinks truck… Or are they ready?!

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are running financial routes in the offseason

The Bengals have a playbook problem, but it’s not about X’s and O’s—it’s about dollars and cents. Cincinnati has two star receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, both looking to cash in. And with free agency looming, the Bengals front office is officially on the clock. Do they pay both? Let Higgins walk? Or back up the Brinks truck for Chase and figure out the rest later?

Chase is the centerpiece of this conversation, and for good reason. The Triple Crown winner wants a fair deal. Fair enough! But fair, in this case, might just mean a deal north of Justin Jefferson’s $140 million extension. The Bengals don’t love handing out guaranteed money beyond the signing bonus—Burrow was the only exception.

But if there’s another player worth making an exception for, it’s Chase. Then there’s Tee Higgins. His situation is a little trickier. The Bengals already used the franchise tag on him once, paying him $21.8 million for 2024. They could tag him again, but that’s a steep price for a player who, despite being a No. 1-caliber receiver, has missed 10 games in the past two seasons.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, teams expect Higgins to land a contract north of $30 million per year—a number that all but guarantees he won’t be wearing orange and black much longer.

This is the price of having elite talent. The Bengals have $50 million in cap space, but can they afford to tie up most of it in two receivers while the defense needs upgrades? That’s the dilemma. And to be honest, more than a problem, there’s a growing need to address these issues because there’s only much patience left withing the Who Dey Nation. Another replication of the ’24 season could see the fans rallying against these players. That would be chaotic.