Pelissero noted that both deals could be completed “in the coming days.” Chase’s extension is the Bengal’s top priority, but Higgins, currently on his second franchise tag, should not be far behind. Chase is expected to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Myles Garrett recently took that crown with a four-year, $40 million deal. Higgins will likely top out at $30 million per year with fewer years in his deal than Chase.

The Bengals have been a historically cheap franchise, and while a deal is expected to eventually get done with Chase, it wouldn’t be surprising if these negotiations stretched on for a while. Chase’s deal, once completed, is expected to reset the market for non-QBs, after the former No. 5 overall pick went for 127-1,708-17 in 2024, while leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Chase is already under contract through 2025, and while Bengals director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, said that a new contract for Chase will be “a priority” this offseason, it’s hard to know how quickly they will move to get a deal done.

“We’re there, let’s get it done… signed contract, that’s what needs to happen,” Tobin added. Chase is going into his fifth season and is currently set to play on the fifth-year option. It’s good that the Bengals are aggressively fighting the idea that they are cheap, and Tobin also said the Bengals are “going to reward Ja’Marr,” while adding they “are not trying to insult anybody.” Justin Jefferson currently holds the crown of highest-paid non-quarterback on a $35 million average salary per season, while Nick Bosa’s contract has the highest total value among non-quarterbacks at $170 million. It’s possible that Chase eclipses both numbers by the time the digits stop counting.