Ja'Marr Chase drops 3-word reaction after historic $161,000,000 contract extension from Bengals

The Bengals made great strides in locking up their offense as they gave Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins contract extensions that are bound to reshape the market. It made the former the highest-paid non-quarterback player in NFL history as he netted a four-year deal worth $161 million, with $112 million guaranteed. It surpasses the $40 million annual average value that Myles Garrett got a few weeks earlier for the Browns.

This deal reflects his historic season where Ja'Marr Chase ended with the triple crown despite his team missing the playoffs. But the wide receiver was more pumped for his compatriot who now also has a deal with the Bengals.

Tee Higgins was franchise tagged for the second year in succession after failing to agree to a contract before the new league year began. But it now looks as if all that was a ploy to ensure that no other teams could get their hands on him. He signed a four-year $115 million contract with the first two years guaranteed. It makes him the highest-paid secondary receiver in NFL history.

Reacting to the news first reported by Jordan Schultz, Ja'Marr Chase posted a congratulatory message to Tee Higgins on his Instagram story, writing,

"My brotha man"

Screenshot from Ja'Marr Chase's Instagram story

Trey Hendrickson might be next for Bengals after Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins' contracts

Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins not only share a quarterback in Joe Burrow, but they also share an agent. Hence, these contract negotiations were happening in tandem and they have now been announced at the same time.

The other key player the Bengals want to bring back is Trey Hendrickson. The defensive star was the leader in sacks in 2024 and one of the few bright spots in a defense that massively underachieved and was responsible for them missing the playoffs. Tom Pelissero reported that despite being able to explore with other teams, his agent is in contact with Cincinnati.

With the contracts now reworked and the cap space known, it will be easier for the team and the player to agree to a number. We should know soon in the coming days whether Trey Hendrickson will get his wish to stay in Cincinnati, after saying earlier,

“There’s no where else I’d rather be.”

The Bengals have their offense sorted with the contracts for Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, so they can now turn their attention to fixing the defense.