Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signed four-year contract extensions, keeping them in Cincinnati for the peak of their careers alongside quarterback Joe Burrow.
These two star players highlighted the shift in expectations within the Bengals’ organization over the past five years. During this period, the team has had four straight winning seasons, five playoff victories, and even made it to the Super Bowl.
“I want to win a championship, and we can definitely win it here,” Higgins said in a joint press conference after the signings were finalized. “The money isn’t the big factor. It’s being with the guys for another four years and trying to win that championship.”
With Burrow signed through 2029, two strong starting tackles, and standout rookie running back Chase Brown, the Bengals are set to remain one of the NFL’s best offenses.
Securing Higgins and Chase’s contracts was the last step to keeping this offensive core intact.
Chase’s $161 million deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, while Higgins’ $115 million extension places him among the league’s top 10 highest-paid wide receivers.
“Now that this is concluded, the next step for us is a championship with these guys,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said. “I think that’s a big reason why they wanted to be here; why they wanted to come back — they know there’s more for us to accomplish as a team, a lot more wins to be had, a lot more great moments.”
Since Chase was drafted with the fifth overall pick in 2021, the Bengals have not had a losing season. Last year, he became the first NFL player ever to have at least 100 receptions (127), 1,700 receiving yards (1,708), and 17 touchdown receptions in a season.
Despite having one of the league’s top offenses in 2024, the Bengals ended with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Tee Higgins (NFL)Chase shared on Tuesday that his standout season wouldn’t have been possible without Higgins playing alongside him. When negotiating his own contract, he made it a priority for Higgins to stay in Cincinnati through their shared agent, Rocky Arceneaux.
“Signing us together, that’s the whole goal, for us to push this team and each other as far as we can go,” Chase said. “The one goal is to be the best in the AFC first. That’ll give us the easiest chance to get to the Super Bowl. If we get that first, that will give us the chance to get the next step.”
Higgins, a second-round pick in 2020, had been hoping for a major contract for over two years. There were times when he wasn’t sure if the deal would happen.
Last season, he switched agents to join the same representation as Chase
“I told Rocky, ‘Bro, do your big one,’” Higgins said. “I’m a quiet guy. I don’t do too much confrontation going back and forth. I had my full trust in Rocky. He was able to get it done.”
Though the contract talks were frustrating at times, Higgins said he has no hard feelings toward the Bengals ownership.
“Last year, I took a chance,” Higgins said. “I bet on myself. And I want to say it paid off. It’s all good now. It worked out in my favor. I’m just happy. I want to thank (executive vice president) Katie (Blackburn) and the whole organization for helping me and believing in me.”
In 2024, the Bengals led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns, ranking sixth in points per game. While Chase had a historic year, Higgins also had his best season, finishing 30th in the NFL in catches despite missing five games due to injury.
Ja’Marr Chase (NFL)Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin commented on the team’s success in keeping elite wide receivers like Chase and Higgins: “The Bengals have a long history of drafting and retaining elite wide receivers, and we’re happy to continue that tradition with Ja’Marr and Tee.
We are known for our explosive, high-scoring offense, and Ja’Marr and Tee are a big part of that identity. They earned these extensions with their abilities and promise for the future.”
Tobin is also hoping to secure an extension with Trey Hendrickson, despite the All-Pro edge rusher being allowed to seek a trade. Hendrickson is entering the final year of his contract after leading the league with 17 1/2 sacks last season.
“I definitely would love to see Trey back with us and he gets what he deserves,” Higgins said. “He has been a great part of our defense for the last few years. I’d definitely love to see Trey back on the team.”
