Bengals Making Significant Progress on New Deals for Star WRs Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins. The Cincinnati Bengals are working aggressively behind the scenes to secure their future at the wide receiver position. According to sources close to the team, significant progress has been made toward new contracts for their star wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. With both players forming one of the most explosive receiving duos in the NFL, the Bengals are prioritizing their long-term presence as they look to build a championship-caliber roster around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.
The Urgency Behind the Deals
The Bengals’ front office has been under immense pressure to secure both Chase and Higgins as foundational pieces for their offensive scheme. Chase, the 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier wide receivers, earning multiple Pro Bowl nods and solidifying his role as Burrow’s top target. Meanwhile, Higgins has proven to be an elite WR2, with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, making him a crucial part of Cincinnati’s high-powered passing attack.
Cincinnati’s urgency is driven by the current market for elite receivers, which has seen skyrocketing salaries in recent years. With players like Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb expected to reset the market, the Bengals are looking to lock in their dynamic duo before the price tag rises even further.
Ja’Marr Chase: A Franchise Cornerstone
Chase is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and negotiations have reportedly been moving in the right direction. The former LSU standout has consistently ranked among the top receivers in yards, touchdowns, and explosive plays since entering the league. Many experts believe he could command a deal in the range of $30 million per year, similar to what Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams have received in recent seasons.
For Cincinnati, retaining Chase is a no-brainer. He has a special connection with Burrow that dates back to their LSU days, and his presence on the field completely transforms the Bengals’ offense. While an extension will likely make him one of the highest-paid receivers in NFL history, the Bengals appear ready to make that commitment.
Tee Higgins: The Contract Puzzle
The situation surrounding Tee Higgins is slightly more complex. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins earlier this offseason, ensuring he remains with the team for at least one more year. However, the goal remains to sign him to a long-term deal.
Higgins has expressed a desire to stay in Cincinnati, but with Chase’s massive extension looming, the Bengals must navigate their salary cap carefully. If the team is unable to reach a long-term agreement, Higgins could play under the franchise tag for the 2024 season and test free agency in 2025. The possibility of a trade has also been speculated, though the Bengals have reiterated their intention to keep him in the fold.
Salary Cap Implications
The Bengals have been strategic in managing their cap space, knowing that major extensions for Chase, Higgins, and potentially Burrow (who signed a record-breaking deal last year) will impact their ability to retain other key players. Structuring these deals in a way that allows flexibility for future roster moves will be essential.
One potential avenue is front-loading Chase’s deal while spreading Higgins’ contract over multiple years to balance the financial burden. Another option could be restructuring existing contracts or making difficult roster decisions elsewhere.
What’s Next?
With the NFL Draft approaching and offseason workouts on the horizon, the Bengals are expected to finalize at least one of these deals soon. Chase’s extension appears to be the most straightforward, while Higgins’ situation remains fluid. If both players are locked into long-term deals, Cincinnati will boast one of the most stable and talented offensive cores in the league for years to come.
For Bengals fans, the prospect of keeping Chase and Higgins together alongside Burrow is an exciting one. If the front office can get these contracts across the finish line, Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window will remain wide open well into the future.
