The Cincinnati Bengals have secured the future of their offense by finalizing four-year contract extensions with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This ensures that quarterback Joe Burrow will retain his premier targets for an extended period.
According to sources knowledgeable about the dealings, Chase is set to become the highest-earning non-quarterback in NFL history with a contract worth $161 million, $112 million of which is guaranteed. This deal eclipses the previous record held by Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, who averaged $40 million annually. In a similar move, Higgins has secured a deal valued at $115 million, despite initially being designated with the franchise tag by the Bengals, who remained optimistic about reaching a new agreement.
The details of these negotiations came from a confidential source since the team has yet to make an official statement. Fox Sports first broke the news regarding these extensions.
Chase enjoyed an impressive season, leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches, joining an elite group of just six wide receivers in the Super Bowl era to achieve such a feat. Bengals’ director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, has expressed his intention to reward Chase accordingly, emphasizing his commitment to making Chase one of the league’s highest-paid stars.
Since being the fifth overall pick and earning the title of AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, Chase has accumulated exceptional statistics with league-leading performance in touchdowns, third in receiving yards, and sixth in receptions. His standout 2024 season saw him achieve three games featuring over 10 catches and 177 yards, with a remarkable performance against Baltimore.
On the other hand, Higgins caught 10 touchdown receptions this season, placing him among the league’s leaders. He recorded 73 receptions for 911 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per catch. A pivotal game against Denver highlighted his abilities, where he amassed 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns, including a crucial overtime score.
Tobin has long envisioned a long-term future with Higgins, reflecting on the consistent discussions over the years about securing his services. Drafted in the second round in 2020, alongside Burrow, Higgins has achieved over 900 receiving yards each year, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark in 2021 and 2022.
Additionally, the Bengals are keen on extending the contract of Trey Hendrickson, their All-Pro edge rusher, despite his potential trade availability. Approaching the final year of his contract, Hendrickson led the league with impressive sack statistics last year.
“We value the incredible talent we have on our team and are pleased with our ability to fit these players within our cap structure,” Tobin remarked. The team’s strategy focuses on maintaining a high payroll while minimizing dead money, ensuring players in Cincinnati are adequately compensated. “Our objective remains to re-sign our top talent and enhance our football team,” Tobin concluded.
