The Cincinnati Bengals have a lot of things to sort through after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them fall short of the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Chief among those things to sort through is wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 after he and the Bengals were unable to come to terms on an extension prior to the 2024 season.
Since then, Chase has only raised his value after pulling off a triple-crown season that saw him lead the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17).
In the wake of Chase's historic season, ESPN's Benjamin Solak not only believes the Bengals will lock the superstar wideout up long term this offseason, he believes that will come in the form of a record-breaking five-year, $180 million contract.
Unfortunately, he doesn't believe the Bengals will be able to keep fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins, who he predicts to land elsewhere.
Big prediction for the offseason: After making a valiant effort to re-sign Higgins but eventually getting priced out, the Bengals will make Chase the league's highest-paid receiver with a five-year, $180 million deal -- and they'll actually guarantee some of his 2026 base salary to make it possible. I also expect the Bengals to take some low-risk, potentially high-reward stabs at secondary pass catchers after Higgins leaves. They could be a great fit for Olamide Zaccheaus, Rondale Moore or Darius Slayton.
The annual average of Solak's contract prediction for Chase works out to $36 million per year, which would be a cool $1 million more annually than what Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson gets. The deal would also make Chase the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
And that is perfectly appropriate. Chase has more than proved he's deserving of the richest contract in the NFL at his position. Now, the Bengals just have to get it done.
