Photo Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ja’Marr Chase was still processing the significance of the moment. Just a few weeks ago, the idea of both Chase and Tee Higgins signing long-term extensions with the Cincinnati Bengals seemed like a long shot. Both had faced difficult contract negotiations in previous years, leaving their futures uncertain.
But momentum shifted. Joe Burrow continued pushing for them to stay. The Bengals’ front office showed a commitment to keeping both receivers. And on Tuesday, Chase and Higgins arrived in Cincinnati to finalize their deals—Chase with a four-year, $161 million contract (the highest annual salary for a non-quarterback in NFL history) through 2029, and Higgins with a four-year, $115 million deal through 2028.
Committed to Pushing Each Other
“Signing us together, that’s the whole goal,” Chase said Tuesday at Paycor Stadium. “For us to push this team, push each other as far as we can go. The one goal is to be the best in the AFC first. That’s going to give us the shot to get to the Super Bowl. If we win that first, then we’re going to take the next step.”
It was fitting that Chase and Higgins appeared at a joint press conference—they’ve been teammates for four seasons. The Bengals drafted Higgins in the second round in 2020, and Chase followed as the No. 5 overall pick in 2021. Together, they helped fuel the Bengals’ turnaround, leading the team to back-to-back AFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance in February 2022.
Chase, a four-time Pro Bowler and 2024 All-Pro, has been one of the NFL’s most dominant receivers. Higgins has amassed 4,595 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns over five seasons.
Given the high demand for top wide receivers and the salary cap constraints, keeping both seemed unlikely.
Burrow’s Influence
One pivotal moment came in December after a win against the Dallas Cowboys. Higgins, Chase, and Burrow served as game captains, and afterward, Burrow voiced confidence that the Bengals could keep both receivers.
Burrow, who was an MVP finalist in 2024, continued advocating for them through the offseason, even during Super Bowl media week. His support helped push negotiations forward.
“A guy like him wanting guys like us to stick around and play with him for the next four years, I feel like it definitely helps,” Higgins said.
A Complicated Process
Another key development came late in the season when Higgins hired Rocky Arceneaux and Caitlin Aoki—who also represent Chase—as his agents. But while they shared representation, negotiations weren’t entirely smooth.
On Feb. 26, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins for the second straight year, a move that initially left him confused.
Meanwhile, Chase’s contract talks stalled as he aimed to set a new market standard. His first negotiation with the Bengals led to him skipping all of training camp in 2024.
“There was a lot going on,” Chase admitted.
The breakthrough came on March 14, when Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett signed a deal worth $40 million annually. That contract set the stage for Chase to finalize his own agreement just four days later.
Chase Wanted Higgins to Stay
Even as Chase worked out his own deal, he wanted to make sure Higgins remained part of the Bengals’ future.
“I really was not trying to let Tee go for me,” Chase said. “I don’t know about Joe [Burrow], but it’s hard when you’re out there and Tee’s not out there. You know what I’m saying? Not easy at all.”
That’s no longer a concern. On Tuesday, the duo flew into Cincinnati to make everything official.
Bengals Confident in Their Stars
Head coach Zac Taylor welcomed both receivers, joined by his sons, Brooks and Luke, and head strength coach Joey Boese’s three sons.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin made it clear that Chase and Higgins were rewarded for their contributions.
“They earned their extensions,” Tobin said.
He also echoed a statement he made at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, when rumors swirled about a possible Higgins trade.
“We have our receivers,” Tobin said. “The rest of the league can go find their own.”
With their top two wideouts secured, the Bengals are ready to chase another Super Bowl run.
Related Content: Bengals Lock in Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins with Extensions
This report used information from ESPN.
