CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Tuesday that wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have both signed four-year contract extensions, securing their future with the team alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. This marks a significant moment for the franchise, underscoring the shift in expectations over recent years. During this period, the Bengals have achieved four consecutive winning seasons, won five playoff games, and made it to the Super Bowl.
Tee Higgins, during a joint press conference announcing the signings, expressed his eagerness for a championship victory with the Bengals. “Winning a championship is the goal, and it’s definitely attainable here,” he stated. Higgins emphasized that while money is important, having the opportunity to continue playing with his teammates for another four years is of greater significance to him.
With Burrow committed through the 2029 season, complemented by two reliable offensive tackles and an impressive young running back, Chase Brown, the Bengals look poised to maintain one of the NFL’s premier offenses. Finalizing these contracts with Higgins and Chase was critical to sustaining their offensive lineup.
Chase’s contract, valued at $161 million, positions him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, while Higgins’ $115 million deal ranks him among the top 10 highest-paid receivers. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed that these signings are pivotal in the team’s pursuit of a championship. “Now that these deals are secured, our next step is to clinch a championship,” Taylor said. “These players returned because they believe in our potential. There’s a lot left for us to accomplish and more victories to achieve.”
The Bengals haven’t experienced a losing season since Chase was selected fifth overall in the 2021 draft. Last season, Chase made history by becoming the first NFL player to record at least 100 receptions, 1,700 receiving yards, and 17 touchdown catches in a single season. Despite their potent offense in 2024, the Bengals ended with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Chase emphasized the importance of having Higgins as his teammate while discussing his own successful season. He ensured that their mutual agent, Rocky Arceneaux, understood his priority of retaining Higgins in Cincinnati. “Our objective is to achieve greatness in the AFC first, as that will be our gateway to the Super Bowl,” Chase explained. “Reaching that goal will set the stage for the next step.”
Higgins, drafted in the second round by the Bengals in 2020, had long hoped for a lucrative extension, chasing the goal for over two years. Although there were moments where a deal seemed uncertain, those days are now behind him. Last season, Higgins switched to the same agent representing Chase, which helped finalize his deal.
Higgins praised his agent’s efforts, saying, “I put my full trust in Rocky, and he delivered.” Despite occasional frustrations during the prolonged contract discussions, Higgins stated that relations with the Bengals’ ownership are now positive. “It was a risk I took last year, betting on myself — and it paid off. I’m thankful to the entire organization for their faith in me.”
The Bengals led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns in 2024, ranking sixth in points per game. While Chase set records, Higgins also impressed with his career-best season, securing a spot as the 30th highest in the league in catches despite missing five games due to injury.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin praised Chase and Higgins for their pivotal roles in shaping the team’s dynamic identity. “The tradition of drafting and keeping elite wide receivers continues with these extensions for Ja’Marr and Tee,” stated Tobin. “Their exceptional skills are integral to our explosive offense, and they have earned these contracts.”
Looking forward, Tobin aims to reach an extension with Trey Hendrickson, who is ready to explore trade opportunities. Hendrickson, entering the final year of his contract, led the league with 17 1/2 sacks last season, making him a vital part of the Bengals’ defensive foundation.
Higgins expressed his desire for Hendrickson to remain with the team, stating, “I hope Trey stays and gets what he deserves. He’s been crucial to our defense, and having him with us adds significant value.”
