Baltimore Ravens safety Marcus Williams (32) tackles Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) in the first quarter of the NFL game at M&T Banks Stadium in Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.

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Ja’Marr Chase Contract Update – Bengals Promise To Make Chase Highest Paid Non-QB In NFL history

Ja'Marr Chase’s record deal with Bengals is coming soon.

The Cincinnati Bengals are making moves to secure Ja’Marr Chase long-term. Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin confirmed the team’s intent to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.

“We’re going to reward Ja’Marr,” Tobin said at the NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis.

Chase played the 2024 season without a contract extension, betting on himself in his final rookie-year campaign. He even skipped parts of training camp to push for a deal. The Bengals responded by placing the franchise tag on him for 2025, locking him in at $21.8 million for the season, per Spotrac.

Ja’Marr Chase had a record-breaking 2024 season!

Chase didn’t just prove his worth last season—he dominated. He led the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708), touchdowns (17), targets (175), yards per game (100.5), and yards after catch (787). No other wide receiver averaged 100+ receiving yards per game. He played all 17 games for Cincinnati.

Since being drafted fifth overall in 2021, Chase has been an offensive force alongside Joe Burrow. His four-year totals:

395 receptions
5,425 yards
46 touchdowns
7 playoff games: 45 receptions, 588 yards, 3 TDs

His production is undeniable, and the Bengals know it.

How much will Chase’s contract be worth?

Tobin didn’t reveal specific numbers but made it clear that Chase will surpass Justin Jefferson’s contract. Jefferson, the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, also a former LSU teammate, signed a four-year, $140 million extension last year, making $35 million annually. Chase’s deal might be bigger than that.

Just In: #Bengals star WR Ja'Marr Chase will command "at least" $40M per season on a contract extension, per @Schultz_Report pic.twitter.com/pMXkUk2Zfy
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 19, 2025

“He’s going to end up being the No. 1 paid non-quarterback in the league. We’re there. Let’s get it done,” Tobin stated.

Last offseason, Chase turned down an extension from Cincinnati, choosing instead to play out his contract. The Bengals don’t offer guaranteed money beyond Year 1 to non-QBs, and that policy isn’t changing.

“He’s going to be highly compensated. What the details look like will be between his representation and us,” Tobin added.

Bengals also working on contracts for Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson

Chase isn’t the only Bengals player in contract discussions. Wide receiver Tee Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson are also looking for long-term deals.

Higgins, who played on the franchise tag last season, switched agents from David Mulugheta to Rocky Arceneaux—the same agent representing Chase. Tobin acknowledged the change but didn’t confirm if it would impact negotiations.

“He’s got new representation, so maybe that’ll push it over. I don’t know,” Tobin said.

Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season and earned All-Pro honors, is another key player the Bengals want to extend.

“He’s been a great fit for us. We would like to keep him not only happy but with us on a longer-term basis,” Tobin stated.

Joe Burrow pushes for Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson deals

Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ $55 million-per-year quarterback, is pushing for his top weapons to stay in Cincinnati.

“I want deals done, just like our quarterback wants deals done,” Tobin said.

The Bengals’ front office shares the same goal—keeping their core players together. After two deep playoff runs in 2021 and 2022, Cincinnati has missed the postseason the last two years. They need Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson locked in to stay competitive.

For now, all eyes are on Chase’s historic contract. When the deal gets finalized, he’ll officially be the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Image: Imagn Images

Ja’Marr Chase

Natasha Bose

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