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Legendary Bengals Receiver Reacts to Chase, Higgins Extensions
© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals finally pulled the trigger.

Whether it be a result of front-office procrastination, ownership stinginess, or agents’ savviness, receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have officially put pen to paper on massive extensions. They’ll be sticking in Cincinnati for the long haul, competing for Super Bowls in the process.

The fanbase is predictably overjoyed, quarterback Joe Burrow might be the happiest man on the planet, but other icons were happy to see the news break, too.

The Bengals legend formerly known as Chad Ochocinco reacted to the star receivers’ extensions on his podcast, “Night Cap,” with Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe.

"Congratulations brother Ja'Marr Chase, brother Tee Higgins," Johnson said. "They got that deal done. I know Joe is happy, very happy to keep that unit together. I didn't think it would be possible. But the fact that Joe was able to keep the two main guys together, man, is really a good thing, and that's a step in the right direction for us."

As first reported by Jordan Schultz, Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension with $112 guaranteed, predictably making him the sport’s most expensive non-quarterback.

Higgins’ deal might have come in a tick lower than most expected. At four years and $115 million – with two guaranteed seasons – he’s locked in as Chase’s partner in crime, cashing in and continuing to benefit from Chase’s prowess.

"And finishing, you know, what we need to get back to the promised land at the end of the season,” he continued. “So I'm happy. I'm excited, and kudos to the Blackburn family, to Mike Brown and getting that done. But let's get some work on that defense now."

Turning to the defense, of course, means taking a longer look at edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. He likely won’t surpass the Cleveland Browns edge rusher’s $40 million annual average value, but the star edge rusher is still looking for a new deal.

Whether these investments into the offense render Hendrickson a casualty of sorts, or whether the front office is emboldened is yet to be seen. But as the motor of the Cincinnati defense and one of the game’s best pass rushers, some won’t consider the job done until the Bengals lock him up.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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