Ja'Marr Chase expects $40 million annual contract amid Bengals negotiations

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is poised to make history with his next contract, reportedly seeking at least $40 million per season, which would set a new benchmark for wide receivers. After leading the NFL with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns last season, Chase's value has skyrocketed, making him a priority for the Bengals as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. The Bengals are also working to extend Tee Higgins, who is expected to be tagged again, as they navigate their salary cap, which is projected to increase significantly for the 2025 season. Chase's previous negotiations with the team fell through last offseason, and he was even willing to sit out games to push for a better deal. As the Bengals look to retain key players, they have around $51-55 million in cap space, which should facilitate these extensions. With quarterback Joe Burrow advocating for his teammates, the front office faces pressure to secure long-term agreements with both Chase and Higgins.