On Tuesday, the Cincinnati Bengals held a press conference to announce contract extensions for their superstar wide receiver duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Chase signed a four-year contract extension worth $161 million ($112 million guaranteed), making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Higgins signed a four-year deal worth $115 million, making him the highest-paid WR2 in league history.
Both Higgins and Chase have developed a close relationship with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who was in the building to congratulate his wide receiver duo on Tuesday.
Chase and Burrow have been NFL teammates for four season. Before that, they spent two seasons together at the collegiate level - winning a national championship with the LSU Tigers in 2019.
When asked why Cincinnati is the right longterm spot for him, Chase sent a simple four-word message about Burrow.
"My quarterback is here," Chase responded.
Ja'Marr Chase on why Cincinnati is the right spot long-term: "My quarterback is here."
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) March 18, 2025
Chase put together the best season of his NFL career so far in 2024. Through 17 regular-season games, the former No. 5 overall pick led the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17).
"We know how defenses feel when they step on the field against us. We feel it when we're out there," Burrow said of his connection with Chase and Higgins. "As long as we continue to put in the work to be the best we can be, the sky's the limit for us."
"They're two of the best players at what they do," Burrow continued. "When you can re-sign guys like that and keep them around for an extended period of time, that gives you the best chance to go out and win Super Bowls and win a lot of games and win division championships. We got two of our best players re-signed."
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This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 9:32 PM.