Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase at mandatory minicamp as he seeks new contract; tagged Tee Higgins absent

Ja'Marr Chase isn’t holding out from mandatory minicamp.

The Bengals’ star receiver is present as minicamp practices begin Tuesday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources informed of the situation. Chase was in attendance for the club’s media day on Monday.

Chase’s teammate Tee Higgins, franchise tagged by the club, has not signed his tender and is not present, Rapoport added. Since he’s not officially under contract, Higgins is not subject to fines for missing mandatory minicamp. Higgins’ absence was expected as sides seek a contract resolution.

Chase skipped voluntary OTAs this offseason in search of a new contract but elected to attend minicamp, avoiding potential fines.

The star wideout has two years left on his rookie contract, set to earn just $1.055 million in base salary in 2024 and $21.816 million on the fifth-year option in 2025.

With receiver contracts exploding this offseason, Chase is one of several still in line for a massive new deal, joining Higgins, CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk.

Justin Jefferson‘s four-year, $140 million extension signed last week could set the parameters for an eventual Chase deal, which could set a new highest-paid non-QB mark.

In three seasons, Chase has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark each campaign, including a 100-catch, 1,216-yard, seven-TD performance in 2023 despite quarterback Joe Burrow missing seven games.