The best result for the club is, of course, retaining Chase at a number that doesn’t completely break Cincinnati’s bank or salary cap. The studying up portion of Blackburn’s response, however, is an indirect nod toward another contract the football world is collectively awaiting: Justin Jefferson’s impending deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
It’s a storyline that has remained in the news cycle for weeks, if not months. Chase’s former LSU teammate undoubtedly deserves to get paid, and it sounds as if the Vikings intend to do so soon — ideally, before Jefferson’s fifth-year option season commences in September.
Until then, though, the Bengals have little reason to do anything but stand pat, and let Jefferson’s extension reset the market — especially considering they’ll have not just Chase, but also Higgins to attempt to extend within the next 11 months.
“We like these guys. We have to work within the salary cap,” Blackburn said. “So we have to figure out what that will mean, and how it can all stay together. That’s just what we have to work on and see where it takes us.”
It’s late March, so folks are itching for news. The Bengals have young talent their fans are desperately hoping won’t leave town for greener pastures. But these deals are going to take time, so it’s best to get comfortable waiting.