The Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday finally locked up the team’s top receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals.
The Bengals have reportedly signed both Chase and Higgins to four-year contract extensions worth north of $100 million. According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz, Chase gets $161 million with $112 million guaranteed, while Higgins lands a $115 million deal with the first two years guaranteed.
Chase’s agreement also makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history in terms of average annual value, surpassing the deal Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett signed last week.
JaMarr Chase on the sideline
Oct 8, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
BREAKING: #Bengals WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins exclusively tell me they’ve agreed to contract extensions with the team.
Ja'Marr gets: 4-years, $161M with $112M guaranteed — making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history.
Tee gets: 4-years, $115M with the first two… pic.twitter.com/zbdnEDELgz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2025
It’s no surprise that the Bengals brought out their checkbook to sign Chase to a historic deal. Previous reports had accurately pegged Chase’s contract to be worth around $40 million in average annual value.
Chase proved his worth last season when he led the NFL in catches (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17). Cincinnati had no plans of letting the talented 25-year-old go.
There was more uncertainty surrounding Higgins’ future, particularly after the team franchise tagged him earlier this month for the second year in a row. Despite receiving plenty of trade interest for Higgins, the Bengals held firm that their sole focus was signing him to an extension. The team stayed true to its word.
Through 12 games last season, Higgins tallied 73 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
With Chase, Higgins, and quarterback Joe Burrow signed to long-term deals, Cincinnati’s offense will likely be a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the decade.