The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on wideout Tee Higgins to try and keep their offensive trio of Higgins, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase intact. However, the situation could get even more complicated with NFL insider Jordan Schultz reporting Chase will command at least $40 million per year on his next contract extension.

The Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t get a deal done with star wide rececieer Ja’Marr Chase before last season and will pay for it this summer. Pay for it, meaning somewhere possibly in the neighborhood of $40 million per year. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the near-miss then means the Bengals pay up big now:

After failing to come to a new deal with the Bengals last fall, Ja'Marr Chase could become the NFL's first $40 million WR in 2025.

The Cincinnati Bengals ' 9-8 finish in 2024 disappointed fans of the team and the sport. Watching the Bengals come within one win of the playoffs was painful, especially when it felt like the team wasted a career year for quarterback Joe Burrow and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.