CINCINNATI (AP) — Ja’Marr Chase said he and the Cincinnati Bengals are close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension. The star wide receiver added Friday that it is his decision whether to play Sunday against visiting New England.

Chase held out for most of the preseason and resumed training two weeks ago. He said the process of negotiating a new contract has been stressful.

“Overall, it’s a learning process for me,” Chase told reporters. “Seeing how I can handle the situation and put my feelings aside, that’s all.”

Chase was listed as questionable for Sunday’s season opener. He said if he plays, he would likely be limited because he hasn’t practiced much.

Chase has been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers since the Bengals drafted him No. 5 out of LSU in 2021.

In the last three seasons, he has caught 268 passes for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. Star receivers Justin Jefferson of Minnesota ($140 million over four years) and CeeDee Lamb of Dallas ($136 million, four-year extension) received big contracts in the offseason.

Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow played together just once in the offseason and have tried to rebuild their connection in recent weeks – Burrow also played at LSU.

“I’ve adapted to the offense very well,” Chase said. “The most important thing is the timing with Joe. We’ve managed that over the last few days.”

If no agreement is reached, Chase said he will focus again on helping the Bengals reach another Super Bowl.

“It’s up to this team to take a leadership role and be the person I am,” he said.

Chase said he had until Friday to reach an agreement, but added that a deal was still possible.

“The chance is slim, but who knows what will happen in the next few hours?” Chase said.

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