The Cincinnati Bengals had one of the more disappointing seasons in recent memory in 2024. They made a late push to finish 9-8 but missed the playoffs by a game. Unsurprisingly, the offense was not the issue for Cincinnati as Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins led the explosive group.
The team is now staring down the barrel of having to pay both of their top receivers with Higgins expected to be franchise tagged and Chase entering the final year of his rookie contract. Cincinnati is notoriously known as a franchise who are unwilling to break the bank, but an NFL insider thinks Chase is about to sign a massive deal.
Jordan Schultz Predicts Ja’Marr Chase Will Make $40 Million/Year
Since being drafted fifth overall in 2021, Chase has become arguably the best receiver in the NFL by posting four straight 1,000-yard seasons and 46 total touchdowns. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021 and made the first-team All-Pro list for the first time in his Triple Crown-winning 2024.
Chase led the league in receptions (127), yards (1,708), touchdowns (17), and yards per game (100.7) last season. The last one to achieve that milestone was Cooper Kupp in 2021 — however, prior to Kupp, the last one was Steve Smith in 2005.
So what will Chase’s second contract be worth? Burrow has been very vocal about wanting Chase to get paid, but will the Bengals listen? Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently wrote about what he’s heard in league circles, and he predicts the Bengals will have to break the bank for their star receiver.
He wrote, “It’s no coincidence that Joe Burrow has been so public about his desire for the Bengals to extend both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Consider it a pointed message to the front office. Chase, as I’ve reported, was very, very close to getting a deal done before last season began.
“In fact, multiple sources familiar with the negotiations say that the 2024 triple crown winner was even willing to sit out the team’s first couple of games. Ultimately, Chase chose to play and now Cincinnati is staring at the league’s first $40 million wide receiver. That’s right: Chase will command at least $40 million per season.”
$40 million would make Chase the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. He would easily clear the current leader, Justin Jefferson, who signed a four-year, $140 million extension last offseason. Jefferson makes $35 million a year and is the highest-paid non-QB in the league — for now. The Minnesota Vikings’ receiver also has the highest non-QB guarantee with $100 million.
If Chase eclipses $40 million, it’s safe to say he’ll own the highest non-QB guarantee also. The Bengals caught a break with the expected increase in the salary cap, but it could still be a tough pill to swallow for their front office.