You've seen them glowing in man caves and behind the glass at sports bars. The neon orange or sleek black Bengals threads, marked with that distinctive, loopy sharpie signature. Honestly, buying a ja'marr chase signed jersey used to be a lot simpler back when he was just a rookie with a lot of hype.
Now? It’s a minefield.
With his massive four-year, $161 million contract extension signed in early 2025, Chase isn’t just a star; he’s a long-term pillar of the NFL. That kind of security usually sends memorabilia prices into the stratosphere. But here’s the thing: most people buying these jerseys today are making rookie mistakes that tank the resale value before the ink even dries.
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The Custom Jersey Trap
If you're browsing eBay or various auction sites, you'll see a lot of signed jerseys for around $300 to $400. They look great in the photos. The colors pop. The signature is bold. But if you look at the fine print, you’ll often see the word "Custom" or "Pro Style."
Basically, these are unbranded knockoffs. They don’t have the Nike swoosh, and they don't have the official NFL shield on the collar.
Collectors call these "hit jerseys." They are made specifically for signings because they’re cheap. While the autograph itself might be 100% real and authenticated by Beckett or JSA, the garment it’s on is worth about $20. If you ever try to sell that jersey to a serious collector later, they’re going to pass.
If you want an investment, you’ve gotta go for the licensed Nike gear. A signed Nike Limited or Elite jersey can easily fetch $800 to $1,500, especially if it’s a framed "Vapor" version. You're paying for the fabric as much as the ink.
Authentication: Don't Trust a Random Paper Slip
I’ve seen people get burned because they bought a jersey that came with a "Certificate of Authenticity" from a company nobody has ever heard of. In 2026, the industry has basically consolidated. If it doesn't have a sticker from one of the "Big Three," you should probably walk away.
- Beckett (BAS): They are currently the gold standard for Chase gear. Many of his private signings are "Beckett Witnessed," meaning a rep was literally standing there watching Ja'Marr hold the pen.
- PSA/DNA: The old guard. Their "In the Presence" labels are bulletproof.
- JSA (James Spence): Highly respected, though you’ll see fewer "witnessed" items compared to Beckett lately.
Fanatics is also a huge player here since they have exclusive deals with many athletes. A Ja'Marr Chase signed jersey with a Fanatics hologram is basically as good as gold.
LSU vs. Bengals: Which One Holds Value?
It’s a toss-up, but there’s a nuance here.
The purple LSU Tigers jersey appeals to the "campus legend" crowd. It reminds everyone of that 2019 season where he and Joe Burrow basically broke college football. These are actually rarer in the secondary market than the Bengals jerseys.
However, the Cincinnati "New Age" jerseys—the ones they launched right as he was drafted—are the ones people want for their offices. If you can find a signed "White Bengal" alternate jersey (the one with the white stripes), grab it. Those are arguably the most aesthetically pleasing pieces of memorabilia in the league right now.
How to Spot a Fake (The Quick Version)
- The "Bengals" Font: On fake jerseys, the "Bengals" text on the chest is often too small or slightly crooked.
- The Signature Speed: Ja'Marr has a fast, fluid signature. If the ink looks shaky or like the person was "drawing" the letters slowly, it’s a red flag.
- The Hologram Check: Use your phone to scan the QR code on the authentication sticker. If the website it leads to looks like it was designed in 1998 or the serial number doesn't match the item description, it's a fraud.
The 2026 Market Outlook
Because of that 2025 extension, Chase is tied to Cincinnati through the 2029 season. This is huge for collectors. There’s no fear of him "LeBron-ing" to another team and making your Bengals jersey obsolete. He’s putting up Hall of Fame numbers—395 catches and 46 TDs in his first four years alone.
If you’re buying right now, look for "Inscribed" jerseys. These are items where he didn't just sign his name, but added "OROY 21" or "1 catch 266 yards." Those little extras can add 20% to 30% to the value instantly.
Stop looking for the cheapest price. In the world of high-end sports memorabilia, the cheapest option is almost always the most expensive mistake you’ll make.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors:
- Verify the Hologram: Before bidding, ask the seller for a high-resolution photo of the authentication sticker and run the number through the Beckett or PSA database.
- Check the Jersey Type: Specifically look for "Nike Game," "Nike Limited," or "Nike Elite" in the description to ensure you aren't buying a "Custom" unbranded replica.
- Compare Signatures: Look at the "J" in Ja'Marr. On authentic pieces, it usually has a very specific top-heavy loop that is hard for forgers to replicate perfectly.
- Price Anchor: If a signed, licensed Nike jersey is listed for under $500, be extremely skeptical—market value for authentic, witnessed Nike jerseys currently sits between $750 and $1,200 depending on the framing.