Bengals Nearing Major Deals for Chase and Higgins

Bengals Making Strides in Securing Star Receivers Chase and Higgins

Hey there, Bengals fans and NFL enthusiasts! If you’re a Cincinnati Bengals supporter, you’re probably on the edge of your seat with excitement right now. Why, you ask? Well, two of the team’s biggest stars, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are on the brink of landing new deals. That’s right, the Bengals’ front office is working tirelessly to ensure these dynamic wide receivers remain in Cincinnati for the foreseeable future.

According to sources who spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bengals are actively negotiating contract extensions for both Chase and Higgins. Chase is entering the final season of his contract, while Higgins has been tagged with the franchise label for the second consecutive year. The good news is that progress has been made in recent days on long-term extensions for both players.

Now, let’s talk numbers. When these deals finally hit the books, they could be massive. The buzz around the league is that Chase’s contract could average between $40.1 million to $41 million per year. If that happens, Chase would become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, surpassing the current record held by Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who recently signed a four-year extension worth $40 million per season.

This development comes after a relatively slow start to free agency for the Bengals. The team did make some moves, re-signing defensive tackle BJ Hill to a three-year deal averaging $11 million per season and tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year deal averaging $8.5 million annually. They also signed former Green Bay Packers defensive tackle T.J. Slaton to a two-year contract and re-signed defensive end Joseph Ossai to a one-year deal, both averaging $7 million annually.

Speaking of Ossai, he had some interesting insights to share. The third-round pick from 2021 noted that discussions about Higgins, Chase, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who is also seeking a hefty extension, were part of the negotiations. However, the Bengals are allowing Hendrickson to explore trade options.

When asked about the possibility of retaining all three players for 2025, Ossai couldn’t help but smile at the thought. “People would love to have them back,” he said. “The confidence they bring to the team, you’re going out there and you have you know Ja’Marr and Tee as a tandem. You can win any game.”

Throughout the offseason, the Bengals have been vocal about their desire to keep Higgins and Chase, despite the hefty price tags. Chase is entering the final year of his rookie deal, while Higgins has been given the franchise tag for the second straight year.

At the NFL scouting combine in February, de facto general manager Duke Tobin made it clear that the team is committed to giving Chase a record-breaking extension after his historic 2024 season, during which he won the receiving triple crown. Quarterback Joe Burrow has also been vocal about the importance of retaining the team’s top talent.

• Chase’s potential contract: $40.1 million to $41 million per year
• Current highest-paid non-quarterback: Myles Garrett ($40 million per year)
• Recent Bengals signings: BJ Hill, Mike Gesicki, T.J. Slaton, Joseph Ossai
• Higgins’ status: Franchise tag for the second year
• Chase’s 2024 achievement: Receiving triple crown

So, Bengals fans, keep your fingers crossed and your eyes peeled for updates. If these deals go through, Cincinnati could be looking at a bright future with Chase and Higgins leading the charge. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!