CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have solidified their future with the signing of wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase to a monumental contract extension. Just announced on March 17, 2025, Chase's new four-year deal is worth $161 million, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback player in NFL history. This long-awaited agreement not only pleases Bengals fans but also brings relief to Chase's fantasy owners as well.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Chase's contract eclipses the previous record set by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who earned $160 million earlier this month. Along with Chase, the Bengals also agreed on terms for Tee Higgins, another star wide receiver, who signed for four years at $115 million. Both contracts guarantee the trio of quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase, and Higgins will be together under contract through at least the 2028 season.
Chase's signing has been eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike after months of negotiations. After his contract standoff with Cincinnati last summer, which extended well beyond the start of the 2024 season, fan speculation heightened about whether the 25-year-old would stay with the team. Those talks had initially paused during the regular season, raising concerns over his availability for Week 1.
Burrow has consistently supported Chase throughout these negotiations, even going so far as to express his willingness to restructure his own massive contract to retain key talent. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Duke Tobin, the Bengals' director of player personnel, had assured fans the team was committed to making Chase the highest-paid player outside of the quarterback role. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor also echoed this sentiment, stating, "It's good to have great players who want to be rewarded." This five-star endorsement only strengthened the franchise’s resolve.
The Bengals have historically struggled with contract negotiations among their best talents, leading to questions about whether they could manage to keep Chase, Higgins, and Burrow together. With their success on the field as evidence—Cincinnati has gone 34-18 since 2021 when all three superstars are available—the franchise's decision to invest heavily reflects their belief this trio gives them the best chance to pursue the coveted Super Bowl.
Chase's recent performance has certainly warranted his substantial new salary. Last season, he led the league with 127 receptions, racked up 1,708 receiving yards, and scored 17 touchdowns, earning him the prestigious receiving triple crown. His impressive stats combined with his established rapport with Burrow make him invaluable to the Bengals' title aspirations. His stellar achievements have been coupled with accolades, including being named Offensive Rookie of the Year shortly after he was drafted as the 5th overall pick by Cincinnati in the 2021 NFL Draft.
While Chase’s future appears secure, the same cannot be said for Higgins, who has experienced health concerns over the last couple of seasons due to recurring soft-tissue injuries. Having missed five games over the past two seasons, 26-year-old Higgins finally secured his long-term deal after the Bengals placed the franchise tag on him last year. His contributions remain pivotal, with 330 receptions, 4,595 receiving yards, and 34 career touchdowns over 70 games played for Cincinnati.
This day marks one of the most significant milestones for the Bengals as they navigate the competitive world of the NFL, continuing to build around their core assets. The successful handling of this complicated contract situation speaks volumes of the trust the franchise and the players have each other, and it instills hope for fans eager for championship success.
With Chase and Higgins firmly entrenched for the foreseeable future, the focus now turns to their performance on the field and whether they can complement Burrow’s leadership with stellar outputs as they aim for playoff success and perhaps their first Super Bowl win. The excitement surrounding Cincinnati is palpable, and for now, fans can bask in the glory of retaining their elite skill players, ensuring the Bengals remain competitive for years to come.