The Cincinnati Bengals have tied down their star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term contract extensions.
Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins shake hands before facing the
Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins shake hands before facing the Buffalo Bills. Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Chase, the Bengals' 2021 first-round selection from LSU, put pen to paper on a four-year, $161m deal with $112m in guaranteed money, a deal which makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Cincinnati also managed to tie Higgins down to a four-year, $115m deal, with the first two years of the deal being fully guaranteed. It makes Higgins the highest-paid WR2 in NFL history, and ensures that the Bengals now have their top two receivers Chase and Higgins as well as their Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow under contract through 2029.
Ja'Marr Chase gets rewarded after historic season
The record for the largest non-quarterback contract in the league had already been broken twice this offseason when Maxx Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5m extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, before the Cleveland Browns tied Myles Garrett down to a four-year, $160m extension.
Ja'Marr Chase leaves the field after victory over the Tennessee Titans. Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Ja'Marr Chase leaves the field after victory over the Tennessee Titans. Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
However, there was no question that the record would be broken for a third time after the Bengals' director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, revealed at the NFLScouting Combine**** that Chase would end up being the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, and that it was only a matter of time before the deal got done.
Chase just recorded the best statistical season of his NFL career so far and became only the fifth player to win the league's triple crown for wide receivers, leading the NFL in receiving yards (1,708), receptions (127) and touchdowns (17).
As a result, Chase was rewarded with First-Team All-Pro honours and was selected for his fourth-straight Pro Bowl appearance. He has established himself as one of the best offensive players in the NFL, and is now reaping the rewards with a lucrative new deal.
Higgins re-signs after free agency speculation
Having been franchise-tagged last season with a new long-term deal yet to be agreed upon heading into the offseason, there has been widespread speculation in recent weeks regarding Higgins' future with the Bengals and whether or not he would hit the market as one of the most sought-after free agents in the league.
Tee Higgins reacts after victory over the Denver Broncos. Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Tee Higgins reacts after victory over the Denver Broncos. Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
That speculation, however, was quashed in March when the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins for the second straight year, before signing the 26-year-old to a long-term deal to keep him in Cincinnati for the foreseeable future.
Despite missing five games through injury last season, Higgins still managed to have a very productive season as he accumulated 911 receiving yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns to 73 receptions, striking a formidable receiving partnership with Chase in one of the league's most efficient offenses.
Can the Bengals return to Super Bowl contention?
Despite boasting one of the best offenses in the NFL, the Bengals had another lacklustre season compared to their usual high standards as they finished with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs for the second straight season.
Tee Higgins celebrates scoring a touchdown with Ja'Marr Chase against the Denver Broncos. Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Tee Higgins celebrates scoring a touchdown with Ja'Marr Chase against the Denver Broncos. Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
It was only three years ago that the Bengals found themselves in the Super Bowl, but while other AFC teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens have since demonstrated growth and improvement, Cincinnati's progress appears to have stagnated.
Nevertheless, the Bengals now have their three key playmakers under contract for the next four years, although they must be prudent in managing their roster by acquiring complementary pieces while adhering to the league’s salary cap. By doing so, the Bengals will hope to reclaim their status as Super Bowl contenders in the near future.