Ja’Marr Chase’s four-year $161 million extension ($40.25M AAV, $112M guaranteed) makes him NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback surpassing Myles Garrett’s $40M defensive benchmark.
Combined with Tee Higgins’ four-year $115 million deal ($28.75M AAV), Cincinnati dedicates $47.63 million 2025 cap space to receiver position representing 17.1% of $279.2 million league ceiling.
Joe Burrow anchors franchise through five-year $275 million extension ($55M AAV, $219M guaranteed) signed September 2023 carrying $46 million 2025 cap hit.
Bengals maintain $23.9 million projected available space ranking 17th NFL-wide after locking offensive core through 2029 championship window.
Cincinnati Bengals player biography and net worth information available for the complete roster.
Burrow-Chase-Higgins Trio: $69.63M Combined Investment
Triple Crown winner Chase led NFL in receptions (117), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17) justifying record-breaking contract. His rolling guarantee structure features $22M signing bonus reducing 2025 cap hit to $23.57M versus $40.25M annual value.
| Player | Position | 2025 Cap Hit | Contract Value | AAV | Years Left |
| Joe Burrow | QB | $46M | $275M extension | $55M | 3 (through 2028) |
| Tee Higgins | WR | $24.06M | $115M | $28.75M | 5 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | WR | $23.57M | $161M | $40.25M | 5 |
| Trey Hendrickson | EDGE | $18.67M | $14M raise | – | 1 (extension talks) |
| Orlando Brown Jr. | OT | $15.03M | $64M | $16M | 3 |
| Sheldon Rankins | DT | $9.67M | $24M | $8M | 2 |
| B.J. Hill | DT | $8.63M | $33M | $11M | 3 |
| Germaine Pratt | LB | $8.18M | $20.25M | $6.75M | 1 (trade request) |
| Mike Gesicki | TE | $7.67M | $25.5M extension | $8.5M | 3 |
| Amarius Mims | OT | $5.04M | $14.3M rookie | – | 4 |
Burrow’s $46 million cap charge represents fourth-highest QB hit behind Trevor Lawrence ($56.2M), Dak Prescott ($60.7M), and Daniel Jones ($47.9M). His 2024 earnings totaled $69.7 million (salary + bonuses + endorsements) projected $177.2 million career total by end of 2025.
Higgins avoided franchise tag ($26.2M estimated) through March 2025 extension guaranteeing first two years fully. His $31.9 million career earnings pre-extension balloon to $146.9M potential through 2029 if reaching full contract value.
Cap Flexibility Despite Star Spending
Bengals’ $23.9 million available space provides middle-pack flexibility after locking offensive weapons. Orlando Brown Jr’s $15.03M cap hit represents potential restructure candidate freeing $8-10M if needed for midseason reinforcement.
Dead Money Clean: Cincinnati carries minimal dead cap charges ranking bottom-five NFL providing maneuverability versus teams managing $30M+ penalties.
2026 Outlook: Projected $68.9 million available space (eighth-most NFL) as rookie contracts for Amarius Mims and draft class maintain cost control. Burrow’s escalator to $50M+ annually begins 2026 requiring strategic cap management.
Hendrickson Situation: League sacks leader (17.5 sacks 2024) received $14M raise for 2025 boosting salary to $18.67M final contract year. Extension talks remain uncertain with trade request history creating uncertainty despite dominance.
Pratt’s trade request complicates 2025 roster construction despite $8.18M cap hit representing final year of three-year $20.25M deal. Longest-tenured Bengal seeks new opportunity after seven seasons creating potential cap savings if dealt.
Joe Burrow’s $50 Million Net Worth Foundation
Burrow accumulated $50 million through $141.9 million career NFL earnings (projected $177.2M post-2025) plus $4 million annual endorsements with Nike, Bose, Guinness, Kroger, Fanatics generating supplementary income. His diamond “JB” necklace comment (“I make too much money to have fake ones”) demonstrates financial confidence.
| Player | Position | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Key Brands |
| Joe Burrow | QB | $50M | $177.2M (projected 2025) | Nike, Bose, Guinness |
| Ja’Marr Chase | WR | $15M-$25M | $45M+ | Nike, endorsements |
| Tee Higgins | WR | $12M-$18M | $31.9M (pre-extension) | Coca-Cola, Nike, Cantu |
| Orlando Brown Jr. | OT | $18M-$25M | $65M+ | Regional partnerships |
| Trey Hendrickson | EDGE | $12M-$20M | $42M+ | – |
Chase’s estimated $15-25M net worth reflects four-year rookie earnings ($32M guaranteed) plus endorsement portfolio expected to surge post-$161M extension. His 2024 Triple Crown performance (first since Cooper Kupp 2021) elevated commercial value beyond typical receiver marketing potential.
Higgins’ $12M pre-extension wealth stems from 2020 second-round rookie deal ($8.6M total) plus 2024 franchise tag ($21.8M) and brand partnerships with Coca-Cola, Cantu Beauty, Nike generating $500K-$1M annually. His four-year $115M extension projects $60-80M career net worth through 2029.
FAQs
Who is Cincinnati’s highest-paid player?
Joe Burrow carries $46 million 2025 cap hit earning $55M average annually through five-year $275M extension ($219M guaranteed). His September 2023 deal made him highest-paid NFL player surpassing Herbert, Jackson, Hurts before Lawrence and Prescott exceeded him at $55-60M AAV.
What is Ja’Marr Chase’s contract worth?
Chase signed four-year $161M extension ($40.25M AAV, $112M guaranteed) becoming highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. His rolling guarantee structure features $22M signing bonus spreading cap hit to $23.57M 2025 versus full $40.25M annual value through creative accounting.
How much cap space do Bengals have?
Cincinnati projects $23.9M available ranking 17th NFL-wide after dedicating $69.63M to Burrow-Chase-Higgins trio. Minimal dead money and Orlando Brown restructure options ($8-10M potential savings) provide flexibility while 2026 outlook shows $68.9M available space (eighth-most).
What is Joe Burrow’s net worth?
Burrow’s $50 million net worth stems from $177.2M projected career earnings (through 2025) plus $4M annual endorsements with Nike, Bose, Guinness, Kroger, Buffalo Wild Wings, Fanatics generating supplementary income. His $40M signing bonus and $219M guaranteed contract projects $150M+ wealth by age 32.
Why did Bengals pay both Chase and Higgins?
Cincinnati avoided losing elite WR duo through extensions totaling $276M combined ($161M Chase, $115M Higgins) locking receiving weapons through Burrow’s prime. Chase’s Triple Crown season (117 catches, 1,708 yards, 17 TDs) and Higgins’ 1,029 yards justify $47.63M annual receiver investment protecting franchise QB development.
