The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads with their star receiver, Ja’Marr Chase. Team president Mike Brown, in his usual cryptic fashion, revealed on Monday that the Bengals are willing to “bend over backward” to secure Chase’s signature on a lucrative contract extension. However, the timing, it seems, is as elusive as a Houdini trick.

Brown’s comments come as the Cowboys are set to lock down their own receiving ace, CeeDee Lamb, potentially setting the market for what Chase’s deal might look like. This looming extension for Lamb only adds to the pressure on Cincinnati to act fast, lest they find themselves shelling out even more greenbacks down the road.

“Opportunities can arise unexpectedly,” Brown said, channeling his inner philosopher. He didn’t shut the door on a possible deal with the three-time Pro Bowler. Yet, with the Bengals’ training camp kicking off on Tuesday, he confessed that the odds of striking a deal now are slimmer than a kicker’s waistline.

Mike Brown urges patience in Chase deal

“It’s not so likely that this is the good time to negotiate,” Brown admitted, as reported by Ben Baby of ESPN. “The offseason is a better time for that and we’re going to try to keep focused on the football part… I’m not going to rule anything out, but I will tell you that the die has probably been cast.“

For Bengals fans hoping to see Chase locked in long-term, these words are about as comforting as a cold bench in December. Chase, who skipped the team’s voluntary offseason program and abstained from team drills during mandatory minicamp, is expected to command a contract comparable to Justin Jefferson’s jaw-dropping four-year, $140 million deal, which includes $110 million in guarantees.

So, as the Bengals head into training camp, the shadow of Ja’Marr Chase’s potential payday looms large. Will the front office seize the moment, or will they play the waiting game, hoping for better odds in the offseason? One thing’s for sure: the Bengals are in for a high-stakes game of financial poker, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.