The Cincinnati Bengals were unable to reach a long-term deal with wide receiver Tee Higgins last offseason, and Higgins played the 2024 campaign under the franchise tag.
Higgins will now be a free agent, eligible to negotiate and sign with any team in the offseason. The clock is ticking on a new deal for another star receiver in Ja'Marr Chase, and the league's leading receiver knows exactly what he wants in that new contract.
“I hope I get what's fair at the end of the day – what my worth is at the end of the day," Chase said at the Pro Bowl during an interview with ESPN's Laura Rutledge.
“Hopefully I don’t put too much pressure on anybody, I just want it to be fair. Fair is what I deserve. I can’t really say everything I want to say. It’s what I deserve, it’s what I’ve worked for, how hard I worked for. It’s a written story already. It should be fair change.”
If Chase's idea of fairness is related to his production for the team this season, it's hard to argue against making him the highest-paid receiver in the league.
Chase had an incredible season in 2024, becoming just the sixth receiver in the Super Bowl era to win the Triple Crown - finishing the season as the leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
"Feels good that I finally have it underneath my belt," he said about the accomplishment after the final game of the season.
"I'm happy. I'm excited that I got it. And I appreciate Joe (Burrow) and the rest of the team for helping me accomplish it."
Chase's contract situation has a bit of precedent, as his college teammate and fellow All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson reset the wide receiver market with the deal he received last summer.
Jefferson signed a four-year deal worth $140 million in June that includes $110 million guaranteed. If Chase needs a number to open the negotiations with the Bengals, Jefferson seems to have set the stage.
We'll see if the Bengals capitalize on the moment with Chase after his incredible season, and if he's paid the same way as his good friend in Jefferson.
