Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins' Historic Bengals Contract Extensions Wow NFL Fans
Cincinnati Bengals stars Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins secured historic contracts Sunday night, leaving fans in awe.
Chase received a four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, per Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz. Higgins signed a four-year, $115 million contract with his first two years guaranteed, becoming the highest-paid No. 2 wide receiver in league history.
Fans reacted to the historic deals as the Bengals secured both of their star receivers on the same night following a tumultuous offseason of negotiations.
Chase became the third receiver this century to earn the NFL's Triple Crown honors after reeling in 127 receptions, 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns to lead the league. That feat helped him earn his place as the richest non-quarterback in NFL history.
The deal kept together the Bengals' most successful scoring offense ever, with Chase scoring a franchise-best with 17 touchdowns and Higgins recording a career-high 10 touchdowns. This came alongside the Bengals' 472 total points, fueled by quarterback Joe Burrow's NFL-leading 43 touchdown passes.
Chase and Burrow's history dates back to their time as teammates at LSU, where they formed a dynamic duo. This connection led the Bengals to select Burrow with the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft and follow it up by drafting Chase at No. 5 in the 2021 draft.
"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 told reporters about Chase late last season. "That's just fun to be a part of."
Burrow had high praise for his wide receiver two after the team's late-season win over the Denver Broncos in overtime, where Higgins finished with three touchdowns.
"Everybody can see what kind of player he is," Burrow said after the win. "He elevates us to a different level when he's playing like that."
With the dynamic trio signed through at least 2028, the future of the Bengals' offense looks promising.
