The Cincinnati Bengals began their organized team activities this week in preparation for the upcoming season, but the team was missing two of their star players as wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase were both absent from OTAs.
According to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN, both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase chose not to attend OTAs – which are voluntary – as each player seeks a new contract from the team.
“No Ja’Marr Chase nor Tee Higgins at the start of the Bengals voluntary OTAs. Both players are seeking new deals,” Schefter said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
No Ja'Marr Chase nor Tee Higgins at the start of the Bengals voluntary OTAs. Both players are seeking new deals. pic.twitter.com/mVD04ke1G3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 28, 2024
Earlier this offseason, the Bengals placed their franchise tag on Higgins to keep him on the roster for the 2024 season, but they have not been able to agree on a longer contract extension. Chase, meanwhile, is due for a contract extension as he heads into his fourth season with the team.
Obviously, this isn’t a huge deal so far as OTAs are voluntary, but it will certainly be interesting to see whether or not either player continues their contract holdout once the team begins mandatory workouts next month.
