Chase and Higgins: The Bengals duo looks to prove their worth in 2025

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins: The NFL’s Highest-Paid Receiving Duo Looks to Dominate the League

When the Cincinnati Bengals begin their training camp next week, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will hold the title of the highest-paid wide receiver duo in the NFL. Both players signed new contracts on the same date during this offseason, totaling $276 million. Chase secured a four-year contract for $161 million, while Higgins obtained a four-year deal for $115 million. This raises expectations for the 2025 season, which is shaping up to be crucial for the team. Proving that Chase and Higgins are the best receiving duo in the league is one of the key objectives for this year.

I’m sure that’s what Cincinnati wants us to do, too. And not just Cincinnati, but the fans and everyone around us. We have to prove it again.
Ja’Marr Chase

The situation for Chase and Higgins has changed significantly in the last 12 months. Last year, both were seeking new long-term deals that required a considerable investment from the Bengals. Chase responded by leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, becoming the fifth player since the AFL-NFL merger to win the receiving triple crown. Higgins, despite injuries, finished in the top 10 in receiving yards per game. After signing their respective contracts and participating in preseason training, both continued their joint preparation for the upcoming Cincinnati season. Chase and Higgins were part of a private receiver workout that took place earlier this month, organized by former Bengals star Chad Johnson. This training also highlighted their growing bond. Since the Bengals selected Chase in 2021, a year after choosing Higgins, both have played important roles in turning the team into a winner.

I think it’s been a good journey. I know Tee has been on a different journey than me, with the different paths we’ve had. But now we’ve basically joined paths, learning from each other, building together.
Ja’Marr Chase

If the Bengals manage to maximize the potential of Chase and Higgins, they could end a two-year playoff drought. Last season, Cincinnati had a 9-8 record and couldn’t capitalize on the All-Pro seasons of Chase and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, nor the MVP-level performance of quarterback Joe Burrow. In 2021, Chase’s rookie season, the Bengals won their first playoff game in 31 seasons and reached the Super Bowl. The following year, Cincinnati lost to Kansas City in an AFC Championship rematch. Chase, in addition to demonstrating his value and Higgins’s, seeks to take the Bengals back to the top of the conference and have another chance to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl.