Bengals extend Chase, Higgins for reported $276M

The Cincinnati Bengals' recent decision to extend wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for a combined total of $276 million marks a significant moment in the franchise's history. Chase's contract, valued at $161 million, positions him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, while Higgins secured a noteworthy $115 million deal . This strategic move not only solidifies the Bengals' receiving corps but also emphasizes their commitment to supporting quarterback Joe Burrow with elite talent for the foreseeable future.

The wide receiver was represented by David Mulugheta, who gets more guaranteed money for his clients than most other agents and doesn’t have the best relationship with the Bengals’ front office.

And then Higgins switched to the agent representing Ja’Marr Chase. It now appears that part of the reason was to negotiate the two deals together.

After the deals were done, Ari Meirov reported that the agent, Rocky Arcenaux, told the Bengals that they would not get a deal with Chase if they didn’t also agree to terms with Higgins.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said recently hat he wanted to make Chase one of the highest-paid players in the league.

“Ja’Marr is always going to be our priority,” Tobin said. “He’s a fantastic football player. He’s going to end up being the No 1 paid non-quarterback in the league. We’re there. Let’s get it done.”

Chase leads the league in receiving touchdowns (46), and is third in receiving yards (5,425) and sixth in receptions (395) since being the fifth overall pick and AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. He was an All-Pro selection for the first time in 2024 after recording three games with at least 10 catches and 175 yards. That included 11 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-34 loss at Baltimore.

Speaking of defense, the Bengals are currently trying to figure out what to do with pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who was recently granted permission to seek a trade partner. The NFL's leader with 17.5 sacks last season, Hendrickson wants to remain in Cincinnati, but he is also looking for a significant pay raise. It'll be interesting to see if the Bengals can work similar magic with Hendrickson as they did for Chase and Higgins. According to NFL Media, the sides have been in contact recently.

However, these lucrative contracts raise concerns regarding the team's salary cap situation. The Bengals reportedly have around $26.8 million in cap space remaining , which could hinder their ability to retain other essential players such as defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Critics, including former player Chad Johnson, have expressed apprehension over whether the team can maintain a balanced roster while investing heavily in offensive talent . Thus, while the extensions celebrate offensive prowess, they simultaneously highlight potential vulnerabilities within the team's overall structure.

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Sarah H

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