Some receivers eligible for contract extensions are choosing to skip OTAs in order to negotiate new deals, including Ja’Marr Chase.

The Bengals started their organized team activities on Tuesday, and Ben Baby of ESPN mentioned that Chase was one of the players missing. Chase is in his first year eligible for an extension, but is currently under contract until 2025 with his fifth-year option exercised. He is set to earn $21.82MM next year.

Chase, Justin Jefferson (Vikings), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), along with Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown, are aiming to set a new standard in receiver contracts. Tyler Higgins, another Bengals wideout, has not signed his franchise tag yet, making him ineligible for OTAs as well. The Bengals have to navigate a costly commitment to keep their key players together. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow has returned to practice, facing a new receiving corps if Chase and Higgins remain absent.

Tyler Boyd left the Bengals in free agency for the Titans as the team plans for a pricey Chase-Higgins duo. Chase has established himself as a top wideout, accumulating impressive stats in regular and postseason play. The Bengals have time to negotiate with Chase, but his participation in future workouts will depend on securing a new deal.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Chase might return for mandatory minicamp and training camp in the coming months.