No team has drawn more attention to its wide receiver situation this offseason than the Cincinnati Bengals. With two elite talents at the position, the team remains adamant about keeping both in the fold.
Before free agency, Tee Higgins was expected to command a significant payday, either from the Bengals or another team, but Cincinnati opted to place the franchise tag on him. Meanwhile, they have been working on a contract extension for their No. 1 receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, over the past few weeks.
This has created one of the most complex financial situations at the position across the league. On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bengals are actively negotiating deals for both players, a predictable move—particularly regarding Higgins, who was opposed to the tag. However, what stood out was the reported figure for Chase’s extension.
The Bengals are considering a deal worth between $40.1 million and $41 million annually, which would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. If finalized, this contract would surpass the record set by the Cleveland Browns last week when they signed Myles Garrett to a historic deal.
Cincinnati entered the offseason with some cap flexibility, but a contract of this magnitude would significantly impact their financial situation. Unlike Cleveland, whose investment in Garrett aims to sustain a competitive defense but strains their cap, the Bengals’ spending aligns with their goal of contending for a Super Bowl with Joe Burrow at the helm.
While questions remain on the defensive side of the ball, this offensive core has already demonstrated championship potential. Without it, the team’s outlook would be far less optimistic. If the Bengals move forward with resetting the non-quarterback market for Chase, they still face the challenge of securing Higgins’ future.
These are major financial commitments, but Cincinnati has a clear vision of the payoff—keeping their elite receiving duo intact to maximize their Super Bowl window.
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