The Cincinnati Bengals have locked in their core trio of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins with massive contract extensions, putting an end to years of negotiation drama. On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Chase signed a four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Higgins inked a four-year, $115 million contract, becoming the highest-paid No. 2 receiver ever. Burrow, already secured with a historic extension in 2023, will remain the Bengals’ cornerstone for years to come. But just as the celebration began, controversy erupted—Chase and Higgins were caught racing their $250,000 Lamborghinis through Miami, raising eyebrows and questions about their off-field decision-making.
Chase, coming off a 2024 season where he led the NFL with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, and Higgins, who recorded 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns despite injuries limiting him to nine starts, have proven their worth on the field. Their extensions reflect that—Chase’s $40.25 million annual average surpasses any non-quarterback, while Higgins’ $28.75 million per year sets a new benchmark for a team’s second receiver. Former Bengals receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh defended the moves on Fox Sports 1’s Speak, slamming critics who questioned the spending. “Who else are they gonna pay? Who else has earned it?” Houshmandzadeh argued. “These dudes have earned it… You draft a quarterback No. 1, and you give him $55 million a year, you’ve got to give him some receivers that can get it done.”
Houshmandzadeh’s point is hard to argue with—the Bengals are building from the inside out, securing the weapons Burrow needs to compete in a loaded AFC. Chase and Higgins have been integral to Cincinnati’s success, forming one of the league’s most dynamic receiving duos since Chase’s arrival in 2021. But their decision to celebrate by racing Lamborghinis in Miami has drawn scrutiny. The reckless behavior, captured in a viral video, shows the two speeding through city streets, a move that could have endangered lives and invited legal trouble. Fans on X were quick to react, with some calling it “irresponsible” for players who just signed life-changing deals, while others shrugged it off as harmless fun.
The incident casts a shadow over what should be a triumphant moment for the Bengals. With Burrow, Chase, and Higgins locked in, Cincinnati is poised to contend for a Super Bowl, especially after reaching the AFC Championship in 2021 and 2022. But off-field antics like this could derail their focus—and their image. The Bengals’ front office has yet to comment, but the hope is that Chase and Higgins channel their energy back into football as training camp approaches this summer. For now, their contracts signal a bright future in Cincinnati—but their Miami joyride is a reminder that even the brightest stars can dim their own shine with poor choices.
