After weeks — and, in one case, years — of negotiations, the deal is officially done. At the request of quarterback Joe Burrow, his two star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are both returning to the Cincinnati Bengals on new long-term contracts.
With the trio’s bond evident both on and off the field, staying together could lead to some historic numbers. Just last season, Burrow and Chase had career years, with Higgins not far behind. Their camaraderie was clear when the reigning triple-crown winner sent a short message congratulating his “brother.”
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins: Your Cincinnati Bengals WRs for the Foreseeable Future
Jordan Schultz first reported that both stars signed four-year extensions with Cincinnati. Chase’s deal, worth four years and $161 million, officially makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, surpassing Myles Garrett’s record contract.
And Higgins wasn’t far behind. His four-year, $115 million contract puts him near the top 10 highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL and one of the most expensive WR2s. After the deal was confirmed, Chase acknowledged it directly with a message on his Instagram story.
Ja'Marr Chase on IG:
"My Brother Man, Tee Higgins!"#Bengals #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/5zZ3RnGpCe— Jennifer Schultz (@Jennife45487237) March 17, 2025
Posting Schultz’s report, the four-time Pro Bowler had a simple message for his teammate. Tagging Higgins and adding a handshake emoji, Chase wrote, “My brotha man.”
Last season, Chase had the best year of his career and one of the best in NFL history, finishing with 127 receptions for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Higgins put up 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games. With both threats returning, expect more fireworks in Cincinnati, presumably through 2029.
However, the contract negotiations weren’t as straightforward as usual. Both Higgins and Chase had been in discussions with the franchise for over a year. Higgins was even franchise-tagged twice (this offseason and last) before the deal came through.
Some of it might have been a strategic move. After earlier negotiations stalled, the 2020 draft pick switched agents and hired Rocky Arceneaux, who also represents Chase. That decision turned out to be a game-changer, as Ari Meirov reported.
“In a savvy leverage move, Tee Higgins switched agents a few months ago, hiring Rocky Arceneaux—the same agent as Ja’Marr Chase. Knowing the #Bengals wanted to keep Chase and that Joe Burrow wanted Higgins to stay, Arceneaux told the team: no Ja’Marr deal without Tee.”
In a savvy leverage move, Tee Higgins switched agents a few months ago, hiring Rocky Arcenaux—the same agent as Ja’Marr Chase. Knowing the #Bengals wanted to keep Chase and that Joe Burrow wanted Higgins to stay, Arcenaux told the team: no Ja’Marr deal without Tee.
Now, both… https://t.co/bDfeJOA6Gj pic.twitter.com/CfsMvWVOE4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 17, 2025
Last season, the Bengals had one of the most explosive offenses in the league, ranking seventh in PFSN’s Offense+ metric, thanks to the trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. However, Cincinnati’s defense struggled, ranking in the bottom five on PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
With all three locked in for the next four years, Cincinnati’s focus now shifts to improving the defense. Regardless of Trey Hendrickson’s return, Lambeau Field and the 2025 NFL Draft await.