The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to four-year contracts with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ensuring the team keeps its top two targets for the long term. The deals come after a tumultuous offseason, during which the Bengals were involved in a contract dispute with Higgins, who was initially tagged as a franchise player.
Chase, 25, becomes the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, signing a four-year deal worth $161 million with $112 guaranteed. Higgins, 26, will avoid playing on the franchise tag for the second consecutive season, agreeing to a four-year contract worth $115 million with the first two years guaranteed.
The signings are a significant development for the Bengals, who needed to address their financial stability and end the drama surrounding Chase’s contract. The team had been trying to secure deals with its top players, and the agreements now give them a sense of security heading into the 2024 season.
Chase has established himself as one of the best receivers in the league, leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns and ranking among the top in receiving yards. Higgins has also shown his capabilities, playing in only 12 games last season while collecting 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The signings will help alleviate concerns about the Bengals’ financial situation and provide a sense of stability as they move forward with building their team around quarterback Joe Burrow. The team’s focus now shifts to addressing other areas, including the offensive and defensive lines, which were a major issue last season.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6204498/2025/03/16/jamarr-chase-tee-higgins-extensions