The Cincinnati Bengals, in one fell swoop, kept quarterback Joe Burrow happy and brought the fanbase to its feet,
On Sunday night, the Bengals extended receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to monstrous extensions, keeping them in Cincinnati through 2029.
For months, the front office dragged their feet on potential extensions, fluctuating the fans’ trust in the organization and at least entertaining a future without the league’s most dangerous trio of quarterback and pass catchers.
Shortly after the signing, Burrow reacted to the Bengals signing Chase and Higgins.
“You never know how somebody’s career is going to work out,” Burrow told the team’s official website. “So we might be together until the end of somebody’s career or we might move on after that.
“But for the next four years, you know what you’re going to get from us and we’re going to be right here. We’re paying the right guys. Guys who work really hard for what they have. Guys who aren’t going to get complacent or anything like that. Guys who really care about the product they put on the field and care about the fans and the organization and the people in the locker room. We’ve got the right guys.”
Last year may have been the peak of Cincinnati’s powers, at least in terms of regular season production. Burrow led the league in yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) as he did his best to outpace a horrendous defense. Chase was the main benefactor. With 127 catches, 1,708 yards, and 17 scores, he won the receiving Triple Crown for the first time since Cooper Kupp did it on the way to a Super Bowl.
Higgins, despite missing five games, posted 73 for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. His extension ensures he’ll get paid like a top receiver while benefiting from Chase’s gravity on opposing defenses.
“They’re two of the best players at what they do,” Burrow said. “When you can re-sign guys like that and keep them around for an extended period of time, that gives you the best chance to go out and win Super Bowls and win a lot of games and win division championships. We got two of our best players re-signed. That’s a big deal. Plus, Mike G. We’re doing the right things.”
Chase’s deal, at four years and $161 million with $112 million guaranteed, makes him the most expensive non-quarterback in the sport. Higgins, signing a four-year, $115 million contract, didn’t exactly take a hometown discount, either.
This is an enormous investment, and it comes with sizable risk, particularly as it relates to roster building in a competitive window. But given their importance to the offense, it was a risk Cincinnati had to take.
“We know how defenses feel when they step on the field against us. We feel it when we’re out there. As long as we continue to put in the work to be the best we can be, the sky’s the limit for us.”
