Bengals’ GM Duke Tobin made a promise to make Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league, and he delivered on Sunday. Reports confirm that Chase and the Bengals have finalized a four-year, $161 million contract extension, ensuring his stay in Cincinnati until 2029 with $112 million guaranteed. Chase, the former LSU standout, was due to enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2025 but agreed to the extension after the Bengals exercised his fifth-year option last season.
Speculation arose last week about an imminent agreement on the extension, with expectations that Chase’s deal would surpass the record set by Myles Garrett’s contract. Bengals’ executive Tobin had previously expressed his commitment to making Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league and emphasized his priority in securing the star player’s future with the team.
Alongside Tee Higgins, who also signed a significant extension, Chase’s remarkable stats with the Bengals highlight his value, with 395 catches, 5,425 yards, and 46 touchdowns in four seasons. Notably, Chase dominated the league in 2024 by leading in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, solidifying his status as a premier wide receiver.
With the extension in place, the Bengals now have $26.8 million in cap space for the upcoming 2025 season, as they prepare to select 17th in the NFL draft following a close miss from the playoffs in 2024. The move to secure Chase as the highest-paid non-QB demonstrates the confidence and commitment the Bengals have in their star player’s future success.
