The moment the deal was official, Ja’Marr Chase reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and made the call.
“Hey, Brother. Just did it. See you in four minutes.”
On the other end, Joe Burrow didn’t need an explanation. He already knew.
In a sport built on transactions, trades, and shifting loyalties, this moment was something different. This wasn’t just another deal being signed. It was a promise. A commitment. A statement that the core of the Bengals’ offense wasn’t just built for now but for the long haul.
“I just love how we can hold ourselves to a certain level. And we all expect each other to be there every game,” Chase said about their bond, making it clear that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about trust, growth, and leveling up together. With all the noise around Higgins’ future, Chase’s words hit differently. This trio isn’t just a random group of playmakers; they’re the heart of the Bengals’ offense.
“We all expect each other to be there every game…”
Ja’Marr Chase explains the special bond between himself, Tee Higgins and Joe Burrow and why he’s excited that the trio will be sticking together.https://t.co/ROaoooKTca@Bengals I #RuleTheJungle pic.twitter.com/Qddghj1bZD
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) March 19, 2025
Wide receivers don’t often work this way. This is a position where egos collide, where every man is fighting for his share of the spotlight. But Chase and Higgins never saw it that way. To them, it wasn’t about being the guy. It was about making sure their guys stayed together.
“I was really not trying to let Tee go,” Chase admitted.
So Higgins made a move first, switching to Chase’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux. A quiet signal of intent. They were in this together. That’s why Chase delayed his own deal, waiting for Higgins to finalize his. That’s why, when the time came, they boarded the same private jet back to Cincinnati.
And that’s why, when the Bengals announced two of the biggest contracts in franchise history, their posts were simple. A handshake emoji. No words necessary.
“It’s because we make each other better,” Higgins said. “Not just on the field, but off the field, as well. He’s become one of my closest brothers. We push each other. We grow together. And we’re going to keep doing that.”
And of course, as they say, what makes two friends bond even better? A third one. In came Burrow.
You see, Burrow and Chase’s bond didn’t begin in Cincinnati. It was forged under the relentless Louisiana sun, deep in the heart of LSU’s 2019 national championship run. And this bond turned LSU into an unstoppable force in 2019. Chase racked up 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns, breaking records, while Burrow orchestrated the most dominant season in college football history.
“He’s not only a great teammate, he’s one of my best friends,” Burrow once said after a Bengals win. “I’m so fortunate to be able to play with this guy.”
And Higgins? He’s been Burrow’s security blanket, the one who rises in the biggest moments. Playoff runs. Super Bowls. Fourth-quarter comebacks. Every time Burrow has needed a play, Higgins has delivered.
So when contract talks swirled, and the future felt uncertain, Burrow made one thing clear. “You don’t want to make a living out of letting great players leave the building,” he said.
Now, Chase is the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, securing a four-year, $161 million deal. Higgins is locked in on his own multi-year extension. And Burrow? He has his weapons. His brothers. His shot at building something that lasts.
Bag secured, business booming as Tee Higgins gives his stance on the Bengals
“He’s earned it,” Burrow said. “Dinner’s on him next, that’s for sure.”
Eighteen months after Burrow became the NFL’s highest-paid player, Chase followed suit by securing the biggest contract ever for a non-quarterback.
Run it back. pic.twitter.com/xcMLq8BTiE
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 19, 2025
Chase set the gold standard for wide receivers, securing a four-year, $161 million bag with $112 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history. And yeah, he’s feeling some type of way about it: “It still hasn’t hit me yet… I’m just enjoying the process right now.” But don’t get it twisted—he’s not just here to stunt. “I want to win, that’s why I’m here.” His chemistry with Joe Burrow? Elite. His impact on the field? Unmatched. And now, with this contract, his name is cemented in Bengals history.
Meanwhile, Higgins locked in his four-year extension, making sure Burrow’s got a 1-2 punch at receiver for the foreseeable future. With 330 receptions, 4,595 yards, and 34 touchdowns under his belt, Higgins has been a certified baller since he stepped on the field. And after signing, he made one thing clear: “This is where I want to be. We’ve built something special here, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.” Dude’s been clutch when it matters, stacking up 31 catches for 457 yards in the playoffs—including a ridiculous Super Bowl LVI performance.
With Chase and Higgins secured through 2028 and with Mike Gesicki joining the mix last week, Burrow now has his top targets locked in through 2027. Together, they were responsible for most of his league-best 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns last season, and now they’re set to keep that chemistry rolling.
The post Ja’Marr Chase’s Powerful Message for Joe Burrow & Tee Higgins as WR Clears Air on Bengals Role appeared first on EssentiallySports.