Joe Burrow's public attempts to encourage the Cincinnati Bengals to keep both of their star wide receivers don't seem likely to pay off. Per ESPN's

Near the end of the season, serious momentum seemed to suggest the Cincinnati Bengals would be able to keep Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on long-term contracts. Now, a little pushback to the idea has arrived,

Chase has one year remaining on his rookie deal in which he is set to earn $21.5 million. He's however targeting the title of the NFL 's highest-paid wide receiver, which would surpass his former LSU teammate, Justin Jefferson, who currently earns $35 million annually with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Cincinnati Bengals and All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase enter another offseason of intense contract negotiations. After not being able to agree on a new deal ahead of last season, the Bengals and Chase will now resume negotiations. Chase is entering the final year of his rookie deal with the Bengals.

The Cincinnati Bengals are ready to open contract negotiations again with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who likely is seeking to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Chase, 24, is entering the final season of his rookie deal and is coming off a season in which he won the receivers' triple crown,