Bengals’ Contract Missteps Could Cost Them Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase
Cincinnati, OH – July 2024
The Cincinnati Bengals may soon find themselves without their top two wide receivers as contract negotiations with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase continue to stall. With the wide receiver market skyrocketing, both players could command record-breaking deals—ones the Bengals might not be willing or able to match.
The Price of Waiting
For months, the Bengals have been slow to secure long-term extensions for Higgins and Chase. Initially, many doubted Higgins would fetch $40 million per year or that Chase could reach the $60 million mark. But with recent deals resetting the market, those numbers are now very real possibilities.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Higgins, who was franchise-tagged for 2024, could demand top-tier money in free agency next season. Meanwhile, Chase, a generational talent, is expected to seek a deal surpassing Justin Jefferson’s historic extension.
“They had time to get this done,” said an anonymous league executive. “Now, they’re playing catch-up in a market that has exploded.”
Could Both Be Gone?
If the Bengals fail to act soon, both receivers could find themselves on different teams by 2025. Higgins has already expressed frustration with contract talks, and Chase, knowing his value, may not be willing to settle.
Fans and analysts are now questioning the Bengals’ long-term planning. With Joe Burrow locked into a massive contract, losing both Higgins and Chase could severely impact Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window.
“The Bengals’ front office is running out of time,” said an AFC scout. “If they don’t pay up, other teams will.”
What’s Next?
Cincinnati still has options, including working out a long-term extension for Chase before the season starts. But as the market continues to rise, waiting too long could mean losing both receivers to teams ready to pay the price.
For now, Bengals fans can only hope their front office wakes up before it’s too late.
