Here's why Cincinnati Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase have yet to engage in contract negotiations

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Cincinnati Bengals and Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have not yet started the contract negotiation process despite Chase being eligible for an extension, executive vice president Katie Blackburn said on Tuesday.

This isn’t a reflection of how the Bengals feel about Chase, though. It’s largely because Chase is waiting to see what type of deal Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson will receive. Until the Bengals know the market, it makes little sense for them to engage in conversations. The Vikings and Jefferson engaged in contract negotiations last offseason but were unable to reach an agreement. That’s expected to change this year.

Ja'Marr Chase fit with Cincinnati Bengals

Chase is very much part of the Bengals’ long-term plans, according to director of personnel Duke Tobin and Blackburn. The Bengals want to keep quarterback Joe Burrow and Chase together for as many years as they can.

“We haven't started,” Blackburn said. “That's sort of the next thing is just to piece together some of those things to consider and give it some thought. And like I said, I can't say for sure where any of it will go. But we certainly are going to study up on it and see what we can figure out to try to get the best result we can for the club one way or another.”

What type of contract will Ja'Marr Chase get?

Chase is likely to be closer to the $30 million range when it’s all said and done. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is currently the highest paid player at the position with an average annual salary of $30 million per year.

The Bengals are in no rush to get an extension done with Chase this offseason. Cincinnati will surely pick up his fifth-year option this offseason giving the franchise even more time to get a long-term deal done.

In three seasons with the Bengals, Chase has 268 passes for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase contract negotiations update