As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals are making headlines off the field with their ongoing negotiations to extend superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's contract. After securing quarterback Joe Burrow as one of the highest-paid players in NFL history, the Bengals are now focused on keeping their dynamic offensive duo intact.

News broke just before the Kansas City Chiefs' Thursday Night Football opener that the Bengals and Chase may be nearing a breakthrough in their contract talks. According to sources, one of the main hurdles was the lack of an extension for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, but with Lamb's deal no longer an obstacle, the stalemate with Chase could finally be resolved.

Insider Albert Breer explained that Lamb's recent contract confirmed the going rate for top-tier wide receivers, using Justin Jefferson's deal as the benchmark. While this may not save the Bengals money in signing Chase, it does provide clarity on the expected cost and emphasizes the urgency to reach an agreement.

Reports suggest that progress has been made in recent days between the Bengals and Chase's representation. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that discussions have taken place to make Chase one of the highest-paid receivers in the league, potentially surpassing Jefferson's contract. However, no final deal has been reached as of yet.

Notably, journalist Jeremy Fowler explained that the Bengals have intensified their efforts to secure a deal with Chase. Their goal is to have him back on the practice field as soon as possible, indicating an optimism that a contract worth over $30 million per year on average could be finalized before Sunday's matchup against the New England Patriots.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has still included Chase in the game plan for Sunday's game. This suggests that both the team and Chase envision him taking the field, although his participation without a new contract remains a possibility.

NFL salary cap expert Andrew Perrota presented a projection for Chase's potential extension, envisioning a contract that would keep him under contract with the Bengals through 2029. While the specifics of the proposed extension were not disclosed, it reflects the team's commitment to securing Chase's long-term future.

With the season opener drawing near, time is running out for the Bengals to finalize the deal. While Thursday night does not prevent an extension from being completed before Sunday, the ticking clock adds pressure to the negotiations. The Bengals' desire to start the season strong and their upcoming clash with the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 makes the presence of Chase on the field imperative.

When Burrow and Chase are operating at their best, they form one of the most electrifying duos in the league. The Bengals are well aware of the impact they can make together, and it is in both their interests to come to an agreement swiftly.

As the Bengals and Ja'Marr Chase continue working towards a resolution, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate a positive outcome. All eyes will be on the negotiations in the upcoming days, hoping for a deal to be reached before the Bengals kick off their season against the New England Patriots.