The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for their highly anticipated season-opening match against the New England Patriots, but one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team is the contract situation of star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. After missing training camp and preseason games, Chase made his return to practice on Sunday, signaling a potential breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations between him and the Bengals.

Chase, who still has two years left on his rookie contract with Cincinnati, has expressed his desire to stay with the team for the long term. According to reports from The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov, Chase and his camp are closely monitoring the contract extensions of fellow wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk, hoping to gauge what kind of deals they receive. Their goal is to secure a long-term agreement in the range of Justin Jefferson's record-breaking contract from this offseason.

Excitement grew among Chase and his representatives as news broke that CeeDee Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys reached a four-year, $136 million extension, including $100 million guaranteed, making Lamb the second-highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. This development could potentially expedite the negotiations between Chase and the Bengals.

Despite the positive momentum in the talks, there is a possibility that both parties could postpone a new contract until the 2025 offseason. However, former NFL agent Joel Corry emphasized the financial risks associated with sitting out regular-season games. If Chase were to miss the season opener against the Patriots with the Bengals utilizing all available penalties under the CBA, he could potentially lose $1,814,702.

Thankfully, Chase's return to practice suggests that sitting out games is no longer on the table. Although his participation does not guarantee an imminent deal, it demonstrates the ongoing efforts from both sides to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Negotiations are still ongoing, and while a contract extension may not be finalized immediately, the hope remains that the Bengals and Chase can find common ground in securing his future with the team.

As the Bengals prepare to face the Patriots, all eyes will be on Chase and the team's contract negotiations. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these discussions unfold in the coming weeks and if a deal can be reached that satisfies both parties.