Chase’s Bag Secured: How the WR’s Record Deal Impacts Bengals’ Super Bowl Odds
The roar of the crowd at Paycor Stadium just got a whole lot louder. The Cincinnati Bengals have locked down their star wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, with a historic four-year, $161 million contract extension. This landmark deal, averaging $40.25 million annually with $112 million guaranteed, not only makes Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, but also sends a clear message: the Bengals are all-in on winning a Super Bowl. But how much does this commitment to offensive firepower actually shift Cincinnati’s chances of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy?
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Chase’s Impact on the Field
Ja’Marr Chase isn’t just a receiver; he’s a game-changer. In 2024, he achieved the rare receiving triple crown, leading the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. At just 25 years old, Chase already boasts a remarkable career, amassing 5,425 receiving yards and 46 touchdowns on 395 receptions. His connection with quarterback Joe Burrow dates back to their college days at LSU, where they won a National Championship together. This established chemistry translates to explosive plays and consistent production that opposing defenses struggle to contain.
Super Bowl Shuffle: How the Odds Have Shifted
Following the announcement of Chase’s extension, and Tee Higgins’s four-year, $115 million extension, the Bengals’ Super Bowl odds saw a slight bump. Before the extensions, Cincinnati’s odds to win Super Bowl LX (60) sat at +2000 on DraftKings Sportsbook. After the news broke, those odds improved to +1900. While this isn’t a massive leap, it reflects a growing confidence in the Bengals’ potential. According to Fox Sports, the Bengals have a 5% chance of winning the Super Bowl.
The Higgins Factor: A Dynamic Duo
It’s not just about Chase. The Bengals also secured Tee Higgins with a four-year, $115 million extension. Higgins has consistently delivered, with four seasons of 900+ receiving yards. In 2024, he added a career-high 10 touchdown catches to his resume. Keeping both Chase and Higgins ensures that Joe Burrow has two elite targets, creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. As NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported, Higgins’s deal makes him the highest-paid WR2 in the league.
The Cap Conundrum: Can the Bengals Afford a Defense?
While the Chase and Higgins extensions solidify the Bengals’ passing attack, they also raise concerns about the team’s salary cap. With a significant portion of their cap space now allocated to Burrow, Chase, and Higgins, questions arise about the Bengals’ ability to address their defensive needs. As Iain MacMillan of SI.com points out, the Bengals have tied up 44% of their salary cap in three offensive players, leaving limited room for defensive improvements.
The Bengals’ defense was a major reason for their failure to reach the playoffs in 2024. They allowed the 25th most points per game (25.5) and ranked 27th in opponent EPA per play. To contend for a Super Bowl, Cincinnati needs to bolster its defense, particularly in the trenches. Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade due to not receiving a contract extension. Retaining Hendrickson or finding a suitable replacement is crucial for the Bengals’ pass rush.
Burrow’s Influence: A Quarterback’s Wish List
Joe Burrow’s influence on the Bengals’ roster decisions cannot be overstated. He publicly expressed his desire to keep Chase, Higgins, Hendrickson, and Mike Gesicki in Cincinnati. The Bengals have now secured Chase, Higgins, and Gesicki, demonstrating their commitment to Burrow’s vision. As CBS Sports’s John Breech notes, Burrow essentially forced the Bengals to break the bank to keep his favorite targets.
The Road Ahead: Draft and Free Agency
With the wide receiver position solidified, the Bengals can now focus on addressing their defensive needs in the 2025 NFL Draft. PFF suggests that Cincinnati could target defensive playmakers like Georgia’s Malaki Starks or reinforce the defensive line. The Bengals also need to find cost-effective solutions in free agency to fill gaps on defense and improve their offensive line.
The Verdict: Are the Bengals Super Bowl Contenders?
Ja’Marr Chase’s record-breaking contract extension is a bold move that signals the Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl aspirations. While the deal improves their offensive firepower and boosts their Super Bowl odds, it also presents challenges in terms of salary cap management and defensive improvements. Ultimately, the Bengals’ Super Bowl fate will depend on their ability to address their defensive weaknesses and complement their star-studded offense. The pressure is now on Joe Burrow and the Bengals to deliver on their promise and bring a Lombardi Trophy to Cincinnati.