Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase makes something clear about the upcoming NFL season

After lengthy negotiations, Ja’Marr Chase has officially agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the Cincinnati Bengals for at least four more years. With his future secured, the star wide receiver made it clear that reaching the Super Bowl remains his top priority — and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to get there the next NFL season.

Joe Burrow will once again have solid support on offense, as the dynamic duo that made headlines last season looks to reignite the hopes of Bengals fans and make a strong statement starting in Week 1.

In a recent media appearance, Chase spoke with confidence, stating that the bar has been set high — and that the Bengals have no intention of playing a supporting role in what’s to come.

“There are expectations, the standard is high,” the WR said, via the team’s website. “Just have fun and play my game, but also know I’m holding myself to a higher standard now. Higher than whatever it was.”

Joe Burrow #9 and Ja’Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals react on the field in the second quarter during Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California.

In his latest season with the Bengals, the former LSU Tiger capped off a dominant campaign with 127 catches for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns.

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Can the Bengals emerge as true contenders?

With Joe Burrow healthy and locked in, the Bengals’ offense is set to be one of the most dangerous in the NFL. He’ll once again rely on Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as his primary weapons—two receivers who can stretch the field, dominate one-on-one matchups, and change the outcome of a game in a single play.

Navigating the rugged terrain of the AFC North won’t come easy, with Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Baltimore all fielding playoff-caliber rosters. Each divisional clash promises to be a physical, high-stakes battle, but Zac Taylor’s squad has the experience, talent, and mental toughness to separate itself in what may be the NFL’s most competitive division.

To bolster their defense, the Bengals used the 17th overall pick in the draft to select Shemar Stewart, a powerful EDGE rusher out of Texas A&M. His arrival adds speed and disruption to the defensive front, giving Cincinnati a new weapon to pressure opposing quarterbacks and close out tight games.