Bengals Break the Bank With Huge Deals for Star WRs Chase, Higgins
The Cincinnati Bengals signed wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to four-year contract extensions on Sunday, according to a report by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports.
The four-year extension for Chase, who is set to play under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2025, will kick in during the 2026 season and total $161 million, while Higgins, who was franchise tagged for the second straight season ahead of the free agent period, will get a four-year deal worth $115 million.
The $40.25 million per year average annual value will make Chase the highest-paid wide receiver in the league, eclipsing Justin Jefferson’s $35 million per year deal. He’ll also make $250,000 per year more than Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett, making Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history, as well.
Higgins will make $28.75 million per season, which will make him the league’s ninth-highest-paid receiver, slotting just behind San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk at $30 million per year.
It’s not clear immediately how the moves will impact Cincinnati’s salary cap situation for the 2025 season, but it’s clear long-term that the Bengals will be spending more than any other team on wide receivers in the near future. Just five active contracts for wide receivers are worth more than Higgins’ $115 million. The highest-paid No. 2 wide receiver in the league had been Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins, who is entering the second year of a three-year, $84.75 million contract that pays him $28.25 million per year.
While Cincinnati Bengals general manager Duke Tobin has said planned to keep all three of the team’s big-name players with contract issues this season. With Chase and Higgins in the mix, he’ll turn his attention to defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who has requested a trade after minimal progress a contract extension. But Tobin reportedly renewed contract talks with Hendrickson on Sunday, hours before making market-busting deals with Chase and Higgins.
Chase led the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17). Higgins played just 12 games and still managed 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. Keeping the top weapons for quarterback Joe Burrow together was an important goal this offseason for Tobin.
But the Bengals finished 9-8 in 2024 thanks to a disappointing performance from its defense, which led to the firing of coordinator Lou Anarumo. It’s not clear how Cincinnati will be able to address its defensive shortcomings, giving the salary cap space they’ve dedicated to three offensive stars.