Frustrated Ja’Marr Chase is Mad Jealous of Justin Jefferson

By Eric Strack |

Updated: Sep 6, 2024

Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase : Louisiana State at Mississippi State — Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images

It’s crunch time in Cincinnati, right now, and the NFL season hasn’t even started yet. Yes, we have some under-the-radar contract talks happening inside the Minnesota Vikings organization, including a little Cam Bynum hardball.

But what’s going on between the Bengals and star WR Ja’Marr Chase, makes negotiations in Eagan with Bynum and (maybe) Harrison Phillips look like a group of engaged couples going back and forth over wedding ring options.

According to Chase, himself, a deal in Cincinnati is getting closer by the hour. But now, there are less than 45 hours until the Bengals’ season kicks off. Ja’Marr met with media again on Friday, visibly frustrated by the situation.

Ja’Marr Chase responds to reports he’s trying to make more than Justin Jefferson

Every answer he gave came with a glare toward the reporter who asked it. One daring Big J asked if there’s any truth to the recent report that Chase is seeking one cent more than his former LSU teammate, Justin Jefferson, who’s now the highest-paid non-QB in football. To that, Ja’Marr scoffed and said “if I wanted to beat Justin, I’d beat the shit out of Justin”.

And to that, I scoff and say, “you’re delusional”.

"If I want to beat Justin, I want to beat the s*** out of Justin. Not by a penny, brother."

Two more minutes with Ja'Marr Chase on how close they are to an extension and reports that he wants one more penny more than Justin Jefferson. pic.twitter.com/liUQYdcVOW
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) September 6, 2024

“If I want to beat Justin, I want to beat the shit out of Justin. Not by a penny, brother.”

“I’m not really looking to go a lot higher. It’s not really me trying to beat him out, me trying to go crazy. It’s about, you know, what’s right.”
Ja’Marr Chase on whether or not he is trying to make more money than Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson has nothing but love for his friend, Ja’Marr Chase. He confirmed that again, with Kay Adams, earlier this week. But I’m not so convinced that Chase feels the same way, deep down.

Cincinnati Bengals WR jealous of Minnesota Vikings WR

Jealousy is a powerful drug, and it’s ruined relationships much tighter than Justin and Ja’Marr have. Of course, that’s just speculation. But it’s not speculative to say that Chase is jealous of Jefferson.

Remember, it was the younger Chase, who LSU had to fight to get. Jefferson was a non-ballyhooed recruit, who committed to his brothers’ alma-mater as soon as he got the offer. That was an established part of their relationship, until Ja’Marr was drafted into the NFL.

Now, shoes are on opposite feet. Justin Jefferson is now the highest paid WR in football and Chase is having troubles getting his team to say, with their offer, that he is on the same level as his former teammate. How much does that bug him? You be the judge.