“We’re Still the Team to Beat in the AFC.” —Ja’Marr Chase, casually dropping truth bombs like confetti at a parade. But this time, the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t just talking smack. They’re backing it up with checks notes… a quarter-billion dollars? Cha-ching.

Let’s get this straight: The Bengals, a franchise once tighter than Jerry Seinfeld’s jeans, just handed out guaranteed money like it was free Skyline Chili. Chase’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, practically did a victory lap when Mike Brown—yes, that Mike Brown—inked Chase’s $161 million deal ($112 million guaranteed) and Tee Higgins’ $115 million extension.

Arceneaux acknowledged how rare these deals were for Cincinnati, crediting Bengals executives Katie Blackburn and Mike Brown for stepping outside their comfort zone. He emphasized that Higgins’ deal was crucial since the receiver likely would have secured a three-year guarantee in free agency. “So I said you’re going to have to at least do two (years fully guaranteed), you know, we’ll make the concession there,” he explained, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes negotiations.

With Chase, however, there was no room for compromise. “That was pretty much a non-starter with the year he had and the career he’s had to this point,” Arceneaux said. He added that the Bengals breaking precedent wasn’t just significant for these two players—it could set a new standard for future contracts in Cincinnati. “I’m sure every player from now on is going to want this. But, yeah, that’s a part of it.”

For context, the Bengals’ previous approach to contracts was about as flexible as a brick wall. Chase’s deal? A no-brainer. Dude led the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17) last year—the first Triple Crown since 2012. But Higgins? The “WR2” who casually dropped 10 touchdowns in 12 games?

Arceneaux fought for those Year 2 guarantees like Higgins was the last slice of pizza. “Tee could’ve gotten three guaranteed years in free agency,” he shrugged. “But Cincy’s home.”

Cue the joint press conference—a vibe so wholesome Hallmark could have sponsored it. Higgins, the 6’4” gentle giant raised on Chad Johnson highlights, and Chase, the LSU legend who trash-talks DBs in his sleep, sat side-by-side, grinning like they’d just won The Amazing Race. “I was really trying not to let Tee go,” Chase admitted, while Higgins called him his “road dog.” Translation: These two aren’t just teammates. They’re Batman and Robin in cleats.

When a reporter dared call Higgins the “highest-paid WR2,” Chase cut in like a hype man: “1A. I’m fixin’ it. 1A.” Higgins, ever the diplomat, shrugged: “Let’s just say I’m another great Bengals receiver who puts his head down and grinds.” Spoken like a man who knows his worth—but also knows chasing rings > chasing stats.

The bromance bowl: Tee & Chase’s playdate

Their chemistry isn’t new. Remember 2021? Chase’s rookie year, when he vowed to “break all the records” while Higgins quietly stacked 1,000-yard seasons? Or that time in 2024 when Chase texted Arceneaux mid-negotiations: “Are we close to Tee’s deal before mine?” This isn’t football. It’s a rom-com where the leads win the Super Bowl instead of kissing in the rain.

Let’s talk culture. The Bengals aren’t just a team—they’re a mood. The Who Dey chant that rattles Paycor Stadium? Older than Joe Burrow’s vintage headband collection. The Ickey Shuffle? A touchdown celebration so iconic it’s practically a Cincinnati zip code. And don’t forget 2024’s Open In Orange opener, where fans turned the stands into a pumpkin patch.

This is a franchise that once gifted its O-line katanas (thanks, Joe Cool) and let Dan Hurley—yes, the UConn coach—lead the Ruler of the Jungle pregame hype. So when Chase and Higgins re-upped, it wasn’t just business. It was family. “Money gives me access to stuff I couldn’t do as a kid,” Chase said. “But I’ll never change.”

Higgins, who grew up dreaming in Bengals stripes, put it simpler: “I couldn’t be in a better place.”

The Bengals’ 2024 season? A 9-8 rollercoaster that ended with five wins in six games… and still no playoffs. Burrow threw for 4,918 yards, Chase played like a Madden cheat code, and Trey Hendrickson terrorized QBs like a raccoon in a trash can. But close isn’t enough. Not when your WR duo costs more than a SpaceX launch. Coach Zac Taylor put it best: “The next step is a championship with these guys.” Translation: The Why Not Us? era is over. It’s Why Not Now?

So yeah, the Bengals broke the bank. Broke tradition. Broke every WR1 vs. WR2 argument. But as Chase said, grinning beside his “1A”: “That’s the whole goal behind signing us together.” The Lombardi Trophy isn’t just a dream. It’s the next scene in Cincinnati’s underdog symphony.

And trust us—this soundtrack slaps. 🐅🔥