The Cincinnati Bengals have locked in their superstar wide receiver for the long haul. After months of speculation, Ja’Marr Chase has finally secured a massive contract extension. The deal has now made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Chase’s deal surpassed Myles Garrett’s record-setting contract earlier this offseason, ensuring the Bengals’ top offensive weapon stays put for years to come. Let’s break down Chase’s contract, salary, and net worth after this historic payday.
Ja’Marr Chase’s Contract, Salary, and Net Worth
Since entering the league in 2021, Chase has been the fulcrum of Cincinnati’s offense. The Bengals selected him with the No. 5 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, reuniting him with his former LSU teammate, Joe Burrow. The two led LSU to a national championship in 2020, and their chemistry has remained electric at the pro level.
Now, Chase is being rewarded for his supremacy. Jordan Schultz reported on X about his contract extension. The 25-year-old wide receiver signed a four-year, $161 million extension which equals an average annual value (AAV) of $40.25 million. This deal makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history and the highest-paid non-QB ever.
BREAKING: #Bengals WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins exclusively tell me they’ve agreed to contract extensions with the team.
Ja'Marr gets: 4-years, $161M with $112M guaranteed — making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history.
Tee gets: 4-years, $115M with the first two… pic.twitter.com/zbdnEDELgz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2025
According to Over The Cap, Chase’s salary will be structured over the coming seasons, ensuring Cincinnati retains its franchise star while navigating the league’s rising salary cap. Chase is estimated to have his net worth stand at $25 million in 2025. After 2025, his career earnings are expected to grow even more after this record-breaking contract.
How Did Chase Manage To Secure His Record-Breaking Deal?
It was never a question of whether the Bengals would extend Chase — the discussion was only around when. Cincinnati’s front office historically has waited until the final days before kickoff to finalize major contracts, much like they did with A.J. Green’s extension a decade ago. However, when it comes to Chase’s, the deal took longer than expected.
BREAKING: Bengals and WR Ja’Marr Chase agree to four-year, $161M deal.
(via @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/fX2Jdx0S7Y
— NFL (@NFL) March 17, 2025
Contract talks nearly stalled before Week 1 of the 2024 season due to disagreements over cash flow and guarantee structures. However, once the salary cap increased and players like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett reset the market, Cincinnati had no choice but to act.
Chase’s 2024 season made the Bengals’ decision easy. He led the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17), becoming just the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to win the receiving triple crown. With first-team All-Pro honors under his belt at just 24 years old, Chase’s value was undeniable.
READ MORE: NFL’s Highest-Paid Wide Receivers in 2025
Had the Bengals signed him before last season, they could have negotiated a lower price. Instead, waiting allowed Chase’s market value to soar past Justin Jefferson’s $35 million per year deal, forcing Cincinnati to pay a premium.
Now, with Chase’s future secured, the Bengals can focus on contending for a Super Bowl. Whether the process was efficient or not, Cincinnati ultimately got the job done — before Chase’s price tag climbed even higher.