Bengals Move Closer to Finalizing Major Contracts for Chase and Higgins

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly close to finalizing contract extensions for star wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, according to multiple NFL insiders. The teams’ front office has made significant progress in negotiations, with both deals expected to be concluded in the coming days.

Chase, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, is projected to earn between $40 million to $41 million annually, which would set a new record for the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday that Chase’s contract might surpass the $40 million per season previously held by defensive end Miles Garrett.

Higgins, who has received the franchise tag for the second straight year, is expected to sign a new deal worth approximately $30 million per year. These potential extensions come following a season in which both players significantly contributed to the Bengals’ offense. Chase achieved the NFL’s receiving triple crown in the 2024 season, leading the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns.

“Tee is a need, yes,” Bengals head coach Zach Taylor said about Higgins. “It’s not even just his production, it’s his presence. It’s how he comes to work every day.”

The Bengals have prioritized keeping both players with the team, a sentiment echoed by quarterback Joe Burrow. “Next to Joe, he’s our next one,” Burrow noted on Chase’s importance. “We are going to bend over backwards to get it done.”

Throughout the offseason, Cincinnati’s management has expressed a strong commitment to retaining its offensive core, especially following their back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship Game in 2021 and 2022. The Bengals also re-signed defensive tackle DJ Reader and brought in additional players to strengthen their roster.

Chase, drafted fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, has made an immediate impact by helping lead the team to Super Bowl LVI. Meanwhile, Higgins was drafted in the second round of the same year and has consistently been a vital contributor to the Bengals’ passing attack.

With both contract extensions potentially coming to fruition in the near future, Cincinnati can look ahead to solidifying its position as a contender in the AFC. Although they fell short of the playoffs last season, the Bengals showed promise by winning five of their final six games.

As negotiations continue, focus remains on the team’s ability to maintain the talented duo that significantly contributes to their offensive strategy moving forward.