Bengals Aim to Secure Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins with Record-Breaking Deals

Cincinnati plans to make Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history while working on a long-term deal for Higgins.

The Bengals are preparing to make Ja'Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, with a contract expected to exceed $40 million annually.
Tee Higgins, who played last season on a $21.8 million franchise tag, is a priority for a long-term deal, though the franchise tag remains an option if negotiations stall.
Director of player personnel Duke Tobin expressed optimism about retaining both star receivers, emphasizing their importance to quarterback Joe Burrow and the team's dynamic offense.
All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, coming off back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons, is also in line for a contract extension, adding further complexity to the Bengals' salary cap management.
Bengals leadership, including Tobin and head coach Zac Taylor, highlighted the challenge of balancing these major contracts while improving a roster that missed the playoffs the past two seasons.