Two of the NFL’s most prominent wide receivers will be with the Cincinnati Bengals for the foreseeable future.
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins told Fox Sports on Sunday that they have agreed to contract extensions. Chase agreed to a four-year, $161 million deal that includes $112 million guaranteed, while Higgins agreed to a four-year, $115 million deal that is guaranteed for the first two years, they told Fox Sports.
Chase’s deal has an annual average of $40.25 million, setting an NFL record for the highest average annual salary for a non-quarterback.
The agreements conclude years of negotiations for each player. And quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been vocal in advocating for Chase and Higgins to get new contracts, now has his top targets secured.
Chase, who turned 25 on March 1, is coming off one of the best seasons by a receiver in NFL history. He became the fifth player since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 to win the receiving triple crown, leading all players in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17).
Higgins, 26, was hampered by injuries last season but was still productive when on the field. He was 10th in receiving yards per game (75.9), according to ESPN Research. He also caught 10 touchdowns in 12 appearances.
With Chase and Higgins now under new multiyear deals, Cincinnati has the playmakers to rebuild its status as a title contender.
