Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase denies he wants a penny more than Justin Jefferson amid contract negotiations

Ja'Marr Chase spoke to the media after the Bengals' practice on Friday for the first time since last season. Cincinnati's three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver said a potential agreement regarding his contract is “within reach” and that his status for Sunday's game against the Patriots will not be determined until game day. Chase, who was officially listed as questionable for Sunday, said he will “likely be limited” if he does play.

While his status for Sunday is still uncertain, Chase said he will play this season even if he doesn't get a new contract. The three-time Pro Bowler has two years left on his rookie contract after exercising his option for a fifth year.

Regarding his contract, Chase made two things clear. He said he did not ask for an extension this offseason and that the Bengals told him he would get one. Chase also denied reports that he wanted a penny more than what Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson received in his recent extension, making him the highest-paid wideout in the NFL.

“If I want to beat Justin, I'm going to beat him,” Chase said of his former college teammate on Cincinnati.com. “Not a penny, brother.”

Chase isn't the only Bengals wide receiver who may miss the game against New England. Two-time 1,000-yard receiver Tee Higgins is questionable after straining his hamstring during Thursday's practice.

The absence of Chase and/or Higgins would hurt, but the Bengals I would have no options left for quarterback Joe Burrow. Rookie Jermaine Burton had an impressive summer. The same can be said about second-year wide receiver Andrei Iosivas. Cincinnati also expects significant contributions this summer from Charlie Jones, the speedy second-year wide receiver who missed most of his rookie season due to injury.

Wideout Trenton Irwin, running backs Zack Moss and Chase Brown, and tight ends Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample are also expected to play important roles in the Bengals' passing attack this season.