Bengals prepared to make Chase highest-paid non-QB

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase appears headed for a huge payday.

Director of personnel Duke Tobin told reporters Tuesday the Bengals are prepared to make Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

"We're going to reward Ja'Marr," Tobin said, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"We're there, let's get it done. … Signed contract, that's what needs to happen," Tobin added, per NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

Chase is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He's been a pivotal member of the Bengals' offense, capturing the NFL's receiving triple crown as the league leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns in 2024.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson holds the title as the highest-paid non-quarterback, inking a four-year, $130-million contract in June. Jefferson notched 1,533 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns this past season, compared to Chase's 1,708 and 17, respectively.

Tobin also said the Bengals would prefer to sign wide receiver Tee Higgins to a long-term deal and that Cincinnati has a good cap situation to reward its players, NFL.com's Kevin Patra reports. However, the director declined to comment on if the team would place a franchise tag on Higgins for a second straight year, Patra adds.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been vocal in recent months about extending Chase and several other teammates, including Higgins and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The signal-call said he'd restructure his five-year, $275-million deal to help retain the club's core group.

"Week in and week out, (Chase) continues to make unbelievable plays, makes people miss, scores 50-plus-yard touchdowns," Burrow said at the Pro Bowl Games in January. "I don't know what more he could do to show and prove himself."

The Bengals finished the 2024 regular season 9-8, missing the playoffs.