Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Make NFL History as the Highest-Paid Receiving Duo.
A year and a half ago, the Cincinnati Bengals made headlines by offering quarterback Joe Burrow a record-breaking contract extension. But even before that deal was signed, all eyes were on the future of Burrow’s top receiving targets: Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Would the Bengals be able to keep their star wide receivers, or would they lose their best options?
After months of anticipation and negotiations, the Bengals’ receiving duo is locked in for the long term. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, while Higgins secured a four-year, $115 million contract, with the first two years guaranteed. Together, Chase and Higgins will earn an average annual value of $69 million—surpassing any other receiving duo in NFL history by more than $10 million.
Chase’s deal is particularly historic, as his $40.3 million per season sets a new record for a non-quarterback contract, surpassing Myles Garrett’s $40 million per year deal earlier this offseason.
Before these extensions, Chase was entering the final year of his rookie contract, and Higgins had been tagged with the franchise tag for a second consecutive season. Frustrated by the franchise tag the first time, Higgins even requested a trade ahead of the 2024 season. However, now both players have secured their future in Cincinnati.
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This is welcome news for Burrow and the Bengals. Last season, Chase led the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and receiving touchdowns (17), becoming only the fifth player since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to lead the league in all three categories. Meanwhile, Higgins battled through injuries but still managed to accumulate 939 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns in just 12 games.
With these contract extensions finalized, the Bengals can now shift their focus to what matters most: competing for a championship. The team reached the Super Bowl in 2021 and made the AFC Championship Game in 2022, but after falling short in the playoffs over the past two seasons, their sights are firmly set on returning to the big game.
Securing Chase and Higgins for the long term could be the key to propelling the Bengals to the championship they’ve been chasing. This dynamic duo, alongside Burrow, has the potential to lead Cincinnati to greatness, bringing an exciting new chapter to Bengals football. With their future secure, the Bengals are now positioned to contend at the highest level for years to come.
