BREAKING: Vikings are signing WR Ja’Marr Chase Warner to a 4-year $110 million dollar extension, per Adam Schefter…..
Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson raised the bar.
His four-year, $140 million contract extension – with $110 million in guarantees – is the highest among wide receivers. It is also the richest deal among non-quarterbacks in NFL history, a benchmark Jefferson has been expected to set with the historic start to his career.
Former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase – with whom Jefferson won a national championship in 2019 – sent a message to Jefferson on finally getting a resolution in what was a lingering issue.
Chase also liked a post from LSU football’s social media team which said Jefferson was, “Destined For Breaking Records.” Jefferson said he wanted to “break the bank” during an interview held on Super Bowl week.
The Cincinnati Bengals star, Chase, has good reason to appreciate Jefferson’s deal with his own coming due.
“This contract allows for Jefferson to do another big deal before his 30th birthday—and maybe well before it—which means he’ll maximize his earning potential as an NFL player,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote on June 3. “A side benefit: He sure did his former teammate Ja’Marr Chase a favor, too.”
wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase left Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury. He went to the locker room shortly after and later returned to the sideline before overtime in a hooded sweatshirt.
Chase’s right arm was inside his sweatshirt when he returned. Cincinnati went on to win 27-24 in overtime.
Earlier in the final frame, Chase took one play off after appearing to clutch his chest or shoulder following a 24-yard catch when he was sandwiched by three Vikings defenders. The broadcast showed Chase holding the left side of his chest on the sideline after that play.
Before being ruled out, Chase led all Cincinnati players with 64 receiving yards on four catches.
Chase is the Bengals’ leading receiver this season, entering the game with 1,092 yards and seven touchdowns on 89 receptions, his third straight year with 1,000-plus yards since entering the league in 2021.
Time for Higgins to shine?
No updates were offered on Chase’s shoulder injury after the game, but he was in the locker room after most players had already left with ice and a wrap around his right shoulder. Having to play without Chase going forward would be a significant blow for an offense already without quarterback Joe Burrow. That much is obvious, but there is a history of WR Tee Higgins playing some of his best football without Chase, who missed four games last season.
Higgins said receivers coach Troy Walters told him Saturday to “be the alpha.” He did so in a big way. The Bengals will need to channel more of that energy if Chase misses significant
