Following the Broncos’ extension of Patrick Surtain’s contract through 2025, the Bengals have made a similar decision by exercising Ja’Marr Chase’s fifth-year option. Chase has been an immediate impact player for Cincinnati, playing a pivotal role in the team’s rise under Joe Burrow’s leadership. With this move, the Bengals secure two more years of control over Chase, who will have a $21.82M guarantee in 2025. As the former No. 5 overall pick, Chase’s 2025 guarantee places him among the top options at his position, joining Surtain and Micah Parsons (whenever the Cowboys exercise his option) as 2021 draftees eligible for the highest option price. Chase’s status as a three-time Pro Bowler made him eligible for the top WR option amount, which matches Tee Higgins’ current franchise tag price. At just 24 years old, Chase has achieved three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, including in 2022 when he missed five games. Burrow was a vocal advocate for his former LSU teammate ahead of the 2021 draft, where the debate between Chase and Penei Sewell played out. While Sewell has also become a standout for the Lions and has even earned first-team All-Pro honors, Chase has the potential to surpass even the most legendary Bengals wideouts. This option decision is likely a prelude to an eventual extension, which is expected to be a record-setting agreement. The Bengals tagged Higgins in March, but unlike seven out of the nine teams that have issued tags, Cincinnati has yet to agree on an extension. The absence of Higgins extension rumors suggests that the Bengals are prioritizing a deal with Chase. Traditionally, teams have waited until the fifth year of a rookie contract to offer extensions to first-round wide receivers. The Eagles broke this trend with DeVonta Smith, becoming the first team in the option era to extend a first-round WR with two years of rookie-contract control remaining. While it would be interesting to see the Bengals follow suit with Chase, Higgins’ situation may complicate that scenario. Exercising Chase’s option allows the Bengals to retain both him and Higgins for one more year. Chase’s base salary in 2024 is a mere $1.1M, which aligns well with Higgins’ $21.82M tag tender. Additionally, Burrow’s cap hit remains manageable in 2024 at $29.7M, before spiking to over $46M the following year. After Burrow’s season-ending injury derailed the Bengals’ 2022 campaign, this season is crucial for a team that has made back-to-back AFC Championship game appearances and a Super Bowl LVI berth in Burrow’s previous healthy seasons. Chase has been instrumental in that success, and the Bengals hope that the final season of the Chase-Higgins duo will culminate in an elusive championship.
Bengals Exercise Ja’Marr Chase’s Fifth-Year Option, Locking in Top-Tier Talent Through 2025
