The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly locked down their two star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, for the long haul. The dynamic pair have agreed to eye-popping contract extensions, making them some of the highest-paid players in their positions. WLWT reports that Chase's deal is set for four years and worth a colossal $161 million, with $112 million guaranteed, establishing him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Meanwhile, Higgins is not far behind with a reported contract of $115 million over four years, as noted by FOX19.
These signings clearly signal that the Bengals fully commit to maintaining their high-flying offense. The deals are set to decrease both players' cap hits for the upcoming season, with Chase's dropping from $21 million and Higgins' from $26 million, according to WLWT. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz indicated that Chase and Higgins have confirmed the news on their respective social media pages. The Bengals’ own social media posts also appeared to celebrate the two receivers' contract extensions, hinting at the deal even before it was officially confirmed.
Quarterback Joe Burrow, who has developed a prolific connection with both Chase and Higgins, now has his top targets secured for years to come. "He works for it. He grinds for it. He's a once-in-a-lifetime-type player, and our careers will forever be tied together from college into the pro landscape," Burrow said of Chase in a statement obtained by BENGALS. With these deals, Burrow and Chase are contracted through the 2029 season and Higgins through the 2028 season, as posited by FOX19.
The numbers speak to why Cincinnati would want to secure these players quickly. At just 25, Chase boasts a career total of 395 receptions for 5,425 yards and 46 touchdowns. Higgins, age 26, tied for sixth in the league with 10 touchdown catches last season, amassing 73 receptions for 911 yards, according to FOX19. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has previously praised Chase's versatility: "Every space you can think of, he has occupied," Taylor said in an interview with BENGALS. Now, both receivers are set to occupy spaces in Cincinnati's offense for the foreseeable future.
