On Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals finalized long-term contracts for star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase secured a four-year extension worth $161 million, including $112 million guaranteed, while Higgins agreed to a four-year deal valued at $115 million, with guarantees for the first two years.
Following reports confirming Chase’s new contract, an old video clip from September 2024 has resurfaced, showing Chase confidently discussing his ambition to surpass Minnesota Vikings standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson in contract terms.
In the video, a reporter referenced rumors that Chase aimed to outdo Jefferson’s deal “by a penny.” Chase’s response made it clear he had much bigger aspirations (note: the video contains profanity).
“If I want to beat Justin Jefferson, I’m going to beat the s–t out of Justin,” Chase stated. “Not by a penny, brother.” Clearly, Chase got exactly what he aimed for.
Prior to the 2024 season, Jefferson signed a four-year contract worth $140 million, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at the time. Chase had openly expressed his intention to use Jefferson’s deal as a benchmark for his own future contract.
Chase’s new agreement with the Bengals exceeds Jefferson’s annual average by over $5 million, crowning Chase as the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.
That’s definitely more than just a penny.
I asked Ja’Marr Chase if the reports are true that he wants one penny more than Justin Jefferson.
Ja’Marr Chase: “If I want to beat Justin, I’m going to beat the sh*t out of Justin” #Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/04RQTCwnav
— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) September 6, 2024