Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins: A New Era for the Bengals
In the heart of Cincinnati, a new chapter is unfolding for the Bengals, and it’s one that fans have been eagerly anticipating. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, two of the team’s standout wide receivers, have just inked long-term extensions, solidifying their place in the franchise’s future. Up until a few weeks ago, the prospect of both players signing such deals seemed like a distant dream. Each had faced their own set of challenging negotiations in the past, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if the Bengals could retain both stars.
But as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. Thanks to the persistent efforts of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been a vocal advocate for both players, and the supportive stance of the Bengals’ front office, the dream has become a reality. On a momentous Tuesday, Chase and Higgins arrived in Cincinnati to finalize their new four-year contracts. Chase’s deal, valued at $161 million, boasts the highest average annual salary for a non-quarterback in league history and extends through 2029. Meanwhile, Higgins secured a $115 million deal that runs through 2028.
At a joint news conference held at Paycor Stadium, Chase expressed his excitement and vision for the future. “Signing us together, that’s the whole goal,” he said. “For us to push this team, push each other as far as we can go. The one goal is to be the best in the AFC first. That’s going to give us the shot to get to the Super Bowl. If we win that first, then we’re going to take the next step.”
The duo’s journey with the Bengals began when Higgins was drafted in the second round in 2020, followed by Chase as the No. 5 pick in 2021. Together, they have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence, leading the Bengals to back-to-back AFC championships and a Super Bowl appearance in February 2022, where they faced the Los Angeles Rams. Chase, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, made the All-Pro team in 2024, while Higgins has accumulated 4,595 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns over five seasons.
Given the financial constraints of the salary cap and the high market value for wide receivers, many doubted the Bengals’ ability to retain both players. However, following a victory against the Dallas Cowboys in December, where Higgins, Chase, and Burrow served as captains for the pregame coin toss, Burrow expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bring both receivers back. His unwavering support played a crucial role in the negotiations.
Higgins acknowledged Burrow’s influence, stating, “A guy like him wanting guys like us to stick around and play with him for the next four years, I feel like it definitely helps.”
Another pivotal moment came when Higgins hired Rocky Arceneaux and Caitlin Aoki as his agents, who also represent Chase. This synergy, however, didn’t guarantee a smooth process. On February 26, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins for the second consecutive year, leaving him puzzled at the time. Meanwhile, Chase’s negotiations were complicated by his desire for a lucrative deal, leading him to skip all of training camp in 2024.
Chase admitted that the weeks leading up to his new deal were filled with uncertainty. However, when Myles Garrett’s contract with the Cleveland Browns crossed the $40 million annual threshold on March 14, it paved the way for Chase to sign his own deal just four days later. Throughout the process, Chase was adamant about ensuring progress was also being made on Higgins’ deal.
“I really was not trying to let Tee go for me,” Chase said. “I don’t know about Joe (Burrow), but it’s hard when you’re out there and Tee’s not out there. You know what I’m saying, not easy at all.”
With their contracts now finalized, Chase and Higgins can focus on their shared goal of leading the Bengals to new heights. Their arrival in Cincinnati on Tuesday marked the beginning of an exciting new era for the team.
- Chase’s contract: $161 million through 2029
- Higgins’ contract: $115 million through 2028
- Chase: Four-time Pro Bowl selection, All-Pro in 2024
- Higgins: 4,595 receiving yards, 34 touchdowns in five seasons
Bengals coach Zac Taylor, with his sons Brooks and Luke seated in the back alongside head strength coach Joey Boese’s three sons, introduced his two receivers before their news conference. Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin praised the duo, stating, “We have our receivers. The rest of the league can go find their own.”
As the Bengals look to the future, the extensions of Chase and Higgins signal a commitment to building a championship-caliber team. With Burrow at the helm and a talented roster, the Bengals are poised to make a serious run at the Super Bowl. Fans can only hope that this is just the beginning of a new era of success in Cincinnati.
Originally Written by: Ben Baby
