Bengals Positioned to Lock Down Star Receivers with Massive Contract Extensions
The Cincinnati Bengals are on the verge of securing the future of their explosive offense, reportedly making significant strides towards signing star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to lucrative contract extensions. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bengals are nearing agreements with both players, a move that would solidify their receiving corps as one of the most formidable in the NFL for years to come.
Chase, poised to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, has quickly ascended to the ranks of the league’s elite receivers. Higgins, previously subject to the franchise tag after extension talks stalled, appears to be inching closer to a long-term commitment with the team.
The pursuit of these extensions has been a publicly stated priority for the Bengals’ front office. General manager Duke Tobin addressed the situation at the NFL Scouting Combine late last month, expressing his desire to lock down Chase, Higgins, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson to new deals this offseason.
Tobin emphasized the organization’s commitment to rewarding its key players, stating, "Bengals won’t win big until they spend big. So pay All-Pro Trey Hendrickson already. We’ve managed our cap well. We’ve got low dead money. We want a high payroll and low dead money so the people that are in Cincinnati playing for us can get all the money. That’s what we want. We’re in a position to re-sign these guys. It’s a good position to be in. It really is. We’re going to attack it."
The financial implications of these extensions are substantial. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Chase is projected to command over $40 million annually, a figure that would surpass the recent extension signed by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, making Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Tobin had previously foreshadowed this possibility at the Combine, declaring, "Ja’Marr is always going to be our priority. He’s a fantastic football player. He’s going to end up being the No. 1 paid non-quarterback in the league. We’re there. Let’s get it done."
Higgins, while potentially receiving slightly less than Chase, is still expected to command a significant sum. Reports suggest he could earn upwards of $30 million per year as part of his new contract. If both receivers were to reach these figures, the Bengals would be investing a combined $70 million annually in their top two wideouts, making them the highest-paid receiver duo in the league.
Ja’Marr Chase’s impact on the Bengals’ offense has been undeniable since his arrival in 2021. In his four seasons with Cincinnati, he has amassed 395 receptions for 5,425 yards and 46 touchdowns. In the 2024 season, he achieved the rare feat of winning the receiving triple crown, leading the league in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17). His connection with quarterback Joe Burrow has been a cornerstone of the Bengals’ offensive success.
Tee Higgins has also proven to be a vital component of the Bengals’ passing attack. Over his five seasons with the team, he has recorded 330 catches for 4,595 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns. While he missed five games last year due to injuries, he still managed to contribute significantly, posting 911 yards and 10 touchdowns on 73 receptions. His size and ability to win contested catches make him a valuable asset in the red zone and on deep throws.
According to Overthecap.com, the Bengals possess approximately $26.9 million in available cap space for the 2025 league year. This figure will need to be carefully managed as they navigate these significant contract extensions and address other roster needs.
The Bengals are coming off a 9-8 season in which they narrowly missed the playoffs. The team currently holds the No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Securing the long-term services of Chase and Higgins would provide a significant boost to their chances of returning to contention and making a deeper playoff run in the coming years.
The decision to invest heavily in the wide receiver position reflects the Bengals’ belief in the importance of offensive firepower in today’s NFL. By locking down two of the league’s most dynamic receivers, they are sending a clear message that they are committed to building a championship-caliber team around quarterback Joe Burrow.
The successful completion of these contract extensions would represent a significant victory for the Bengals’ front office and a major step towards solidifying their status as a perennial contender in the AFC. It also signifies the team’s willingness to invest in its core players and create a winning culture in Cincinnati. The Bengals’ faithful anxiously await the official announcements, eager to celebrate the long-term commitment of their star receivers. The coming weeks will be crucial as the final details are ironed out, but the prospect of Chase and Higgins continuing to electrify the Bengals’ offense for years to come is undoubtedly exciting for fans.
