Chase, Higgins sign landmark contract extensions

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to four-year extensions with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, assuring that Joe Burrow will have his top two targets with him for some time.

A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that Chase will become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, earning $161 million, including $112 million guaranteed. That surpasses the $40 million per year average by Cleveland pass rusher Myles Garrett.

Higgins will get $115 million. The Bengals placed the franchise tag on Higgins but were hopeful of getting a new deal done.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity on Sunday because the team had not announced the move. Fox Sports was the first to report on the extensions.

Chase led the league in receptions (127), yards receiving (1,708) and touchdown catches (17) this past season, becoming just the sixth wide receiver in the Super Bowl era to achieve the receiving triple crown.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin reiterated recently at the NFL scouting combine that he wanted to make Chase one of the highest-paid players in the league.