Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins reportedly both agree to contract extensions with Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have reached contract extensions with both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, according to multiple reports.
Chase's deal is for four years and $161 million and will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, according to NFL Network. Higgins will sign for four years and $115 million, per the report. The news on Chase confirms a Friday report that he was expected to sign a deal worth between $40.2 million and $41 million per season.
The deal keeps Cincinnati's top two receivers and the core of the Bengals' explosive passing game intact alongside quarterback Joe Burrow.
The road to Chase's potentially huge windfall was contentious. He staged a "hold-in" last training camp, where he showed up to practices but didn't participate.
That made for some awkward news conferences with head coach Zac Taylor. Chase was on a four-year rookie deal and the Bengals picked up the option on a fifth year (2025) that was scheduled to pay him $21 million. He earned $9.8 million last season. In response to the testy summer, Chase had the best season of his NFL career.
He won the league's triple crown for wide receivers, where he led the league in touchdown catches (17), receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,708). It was the first time a receiver achieved the feat since the Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp in 2021.
His best game of the 2024 season was against the Baltimore Ravens in November, when he had 11 catches for 264 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a tight 35-34 defeat on the road.
“He’s a fantastic football player,” Duke Tobin, the Bengals' director of player personnel, said at the NFL scouting combine. “He’s going to end up being the No. 1 paid non-QB in the league. We’re there. Let’s get it done."
Getting a deal done with Higgins was likewise a winding path. Higgins played on the franchise tag last season, and was hit with the franchise tag for a second-straight season in March. Under the tag, Higgins would have been due $26.2 million for the 2025 season.
But he now has the long-term deal that he's long-sought with the Bengals.
Higgins previously earned $21.8 million on the franchise tag in 2024 and played on a four-year, $8.7 million rookie contract before that.
This breaking news story will be updated.
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Bengals closing in on 'massive contract extensions' with Tee Higgins, Ja'Marr Chase
Both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins could be receiving massive paydays from the Cincinnati Bengals in the coming days, according to reports.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Bengals reach extensions with Chase, Higgins
The Bengals have secured two of the NFL's most prominent wide receivers, with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins telling Fox Sports that they have agreed to contract extensions.ESPN - 8h -
Reactions: Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins contract extensions done
The Bengals are keeping their talented offensive trio of quarterback Joe Burrow and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins intact.Yahoo Sports - 8h -
Bengals extend Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins for four years apiece
The Bengals are keeping both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with each getting rich four-year extensionsYahoo Sports - 7h -
Chase, Higgins reach extensions with Bengals. AP source says Chase will be NFL's highest-paid non-QB
The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to four-year extensions with receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, assuring that Joe Burrow will have his top two targets with him for some time. A person ...Yahoo Sports - 7h -
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The best NFL free agents left while the Bengals wrap up extensions for Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
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Both deals could reportedly be done in a matter of daysCBS Sports - 2d -
Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase agree on $161M contract extension
Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase get it done.Yahoo Sports - 8h -
Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins confirm their contract extensions
The Bengals star wideouts let fans know with a simple message.Yahoo Sports - 8h
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