The Cincinnati Bengals have picked up the fifth-year choice for large receiver Ja’Marr Chase, protecting him with the franchise in the course of the 2025 NFL season.
A 3-time Professional Bowler, the 21-year-old Chase will see his wage bounce in 2025 from $1.1 million this coming season to a fully-guaranteed $21.8 million barring an extension being labored out.
The Bengals had till Would possibly 2 to make use of the fifth-year choice.
Chase, who went 5th total within the 2021 NFL draft out of LSU, has compiled 268 receptions for three,717 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns in 45 video games with the Bengals. He used to be the 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Yr and a second-team All-Professional.
In 2023, Chase stuck a career-high 100 balls, tying for moment maximum in a season in Bengals historical past. He’s additionally one in every of handiest 8 gamers in NFL historical past who’ve reached 1,000 receiving yards in every of his first 3 seasons.
As for a long run extension for Chase, he has stated that he desires to attend and notice what former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson will get earlier than he indicators his personal deal.
With Chase tied up for 2 extra seasons, the focal point can now flip to Tee Higgins’ long run.
Higgins used to be one in every of 9 NFL gamers to obtain a franchise tag in February. The 2 facets were not able to come back to an settlement on an extension, which had resulted in hypothesis {that a} industry is at the horizon.
Following information of a reported industry request, Higgins stated previous this month that he does now not watch for being again in Cincinnati subsequent season.