The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on wideout Tee Higgins to try and keep their offensive trio of Higgins, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase intact. However, the situation could get even more complicated with NFL insider Jordan Schultz reporting Chase will command at least $40 million per year on his next contract extension.

Ja'Marr Chase is fresh off chasing a historic Triple Crown season (127 receptions, 1,708 yards, 17 touchdowns)! The post Bengals Face $40M Hurdle in Ja’Marr Chase Contract as Joe Burrow Sends Clear Message to Front Office appeared first on EssentiallySports.

After failing to come to a new deal with the Bengals last fall, Ja'Marr Chase could become the NFL's first $40 million WR in 2025.

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow expressed confidence in the organization as top wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins enter the offseason seeking long-term deals.

Joe Burrow believes their slow starts in the games which happened because Chase and Higgins missed training camp cost them a place in playoffs

Pay for it, meaning somewhere possibly in the neighborhood of $40 million per year. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the near-miss then means the Bengals pay up big now: Ultimately, Chase chose to play and now Cincinnati is staring at the league’s first $40 million wide receiver.