Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins Aim to Justify Bengals’ $276 Million Investment

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins‘ historic season for the Cincinnati Bengals ended in disappointment. 8-9 records weren’t enough for the Cincinnati club to creep out of the loaded AFC North.

Chase found temporary reprieve from sulking after the Bengals extended their contracts. The former fifth overall pick signed a four-year, $161 million contract extension. For a brief period, Chase became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history until the TJ Watt extension.

Higgins, meanwhile, was spared from the shackles of the dreaded franchise tag with a four-year, $115 million extension. Chase and Higgins are currently the highest-paid wide receiver duo, edging the Eagles’ AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Of course, with great money comes great responsibility and pressure to deliver results on the field. Their aim should be the playoffs, which they last played in the 2022 season.

I’m pretty sure that’s the big thing Cincinnati wants us to do, too. And not just Cincinnati, the fans and everyone around. You got to prove ourselves all over again.

Ja’Marr Chase said via Ben Baby of ESPN

Chase, Higgins, and quarterback Joe Burrow are enough to tear down NFL defenses. It’s the Bengals defense that failed to perform with the intensity and efficiency of the offense.

Zac Taylor’s Bengals gave up an average of 348.3 yards per game and conceded a total of 53 touchdowns in 17 games (3.1 touchdowns per game). Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo paid the price by losing his job to former Notre Dame coach Al Golden.

However, the Bengals haven’t yet learned their lesson. Star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson might leave Cincinnati if he doesn’t receive a deal comparable to Watt’s. Additionally, general manager Duke Tobin has yet to sign first-round rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart. It’s crucial to secure both players before or during training camp; otherwise, the defense risks facing a similar situation as last year.