Bengals secure future with record-breaking extensions for Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins

The Cincinnati Bengals have committed to their offensive core by signing wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to record-breaking contract extensions. These extensions make both men among the highest-paid players at their position.

Chase agreed to a four-year, $161 million contract with $112 million guaranteed. This deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in history. He has amazing speed, running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, and despite being only 6’1” and 200 pounds, his strength allows him to go up against much larger players. He consistently catches passes in traffic and averaged over 18 yards per reception as a rookie.

Higgins agreed to a four-year, $115 million deal with the first two years guaranteed. At 6’4” and 219 pounds, Higgins is perfect for the red zone and catching in traffic. He rarely drops passes, runs clean routes and is great at making catches along the sideline. These abilities helped him have two back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

The combined $276 million investment in Chase and Higgins raises some concerns with analysts like Shannon Sharpe, who is worried the team might have difficulty acquiring or retaining other important players fans were hoping for, like Trey Hendrickson.