The Cleveland Browns and All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett agreed on a blockbuster contract extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Garrett will make an average of $40 million per year on an annual basis and the deal includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money. This deal directly impacts the Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
At the NFL combine two weeks ago, Bengals director of personnel Duke Tobin said the Bengals are prepared to make Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback. With Garret now resetting the market as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, the Bengals will have top Garrett’s contract to back up their words.
“(Ja’Marr) is going to end up being the number one paid non-quarterback in the league,” Tobin said in Indianapolis. “We’re there. Let’s get it done. The earlier we can do some of this stuff, the freer it gives us to build the rest of the team.”
Ja’Marr Chase contract negotiations with Cincinnati Bengals
It was widely assumed Chase would be asking for $40 million per year on an annual basis and now it’s clear, he will make at least that number.
The Bengals had a chance to secure Chase on a long-term basis at a cheaper rate last year when the franchise and their star wideout began contract talks. Chase said Cincinnati’s front office approached his representation in hopes to get a deal done last year. After holding in and not practicing during training camp, the two sides got close but were unable to reach an agreement.
Both sides took a gamble in not agreeing to an extension ahead of the 2024 season and Chase ended up being the winner. He went on to have his best professional season and led the NFL in catches, yards and touchdowns and cemented his case as the best receiver in football.
Now, he’ll get an even bigger payday from the Bengals thanks to Garrett and his play last season. The Bengals have made it clear they plan to do everything they can to keep Chase playing with quarterback Joe Burrow for the foreseeable future.
Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins contract extension with Bengals
But there’s no denying that Bengals’ ownership will now have to pay more for him because they waited. Cincinnati’s decision to not get Chase or wide receiver Tee Higgins contract extensions done when they became eligible resulted in locker room distractions and money lost.
Burrow made it clear this strategy isn’t one he’s in agreement with. He believes the Bengals will have a chance to compete for a Super Bowl his entire career but in order to do so, he needs the best possible team around him. Locking up players earlier to ensure they stay in Cincinnati is one of the steps in helping build a championship caliber roster each year.
“You don’t want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building,” Burrow said. “And I think that’s why you gotta do everything you can to get those deals done early.”
