The Cincinnati Bengals and star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who once again delivered a Madden-like performance on Thursday Night Football, couldn’t reach a contract extension before the season began, leading to Chase’s “hold-in,” which kept him out of preseason action.

Despite the contractual standoff, Chase’s on-field performance hasn’t suffered. Heading into Week 10, he leads all receivers in nearly every major category. He’s on pace to finish the season with career highs: 119 receptions, 1,766 yards, and 18 touchdowns. This puts him in contention for AP Offensive Player of the Year and, with a bit of luck, could even place him in the conversation as one of the rare non-quarterback candidates for NFL MVP.

According to NFL analyst Mike Florio, however, the Bengals might have mishandled the situation, allegedly stringing Chase along with no intention of extending him this season.

Instead, they planned all along to pay him a relatively modest $4.8 million for 2024, making any negotiations feel more like a formality than a genuine attempt to secure a long-term extension.

Florio further highlighted that things were far uglier behind the scenes than they appeared. “Behind the scenes, it was uglier than anyone realizes, with fights over fines and a belief by Chase that they’d broken their promise to pay him by offering a contract that looked good on the surface but that had a very bad structure,” Florio reported.

This season hasn’t gone as hoped, and at 4-6, the Bengals face a steep uphill battle to salvage the second half. While it’s not impossible with Burrow, Chase, and a potent offense, the road will be tough. With the talent on this roster, things should have been more straightforward.

Beyond the numbers, Chase’s relationship with the team is crucial for the Bengals’ future. Their offensive success hinges on the connection between Burrow and Chase, which is why the front office should carefully consider the long-term impact of its approach. Keeping Chase happy and appreciated isn’t just essential for the team’s success but also for maintaining the loyalty of a fan base that idolizes him.

Contract negotiations are part of NFL business, but the Brown/Blackburn family’s track record hasn’t always inspired confidence among players or around the league. If they’re serious about bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Cincinnati, they’ll need to show players, fans, and the NFL as a whole that they’re committed to a new era of meaningful, trustworthy relationships with their stars.