The Cincinnati Bengals have locked in their superstar wide receiver for the long haul. After months of speculation, Ja’Marr Chase finally secured a massive contract extension in March 2025. The deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
Chase’s deal surpassed Myles Garrett’s record-setting contract earlier this offseason, ensuring the Bengals’ top offensive weapon stays put for years to come. Let’s break down Chase’s contract, salary, and net worth after this historic payday.
Ja’Marr Chase’s Contract and Salary
Chase signed a four-year deal worth $161 million that includes $112 million guaranteed. His annual average salary of $40.25 million set an NFL record for the highest average annual salary for a non-quarterback, overtaking Garrett’s $40 million.
However, in 2025, he will play on his fifth-year option, worth $21 million, which was picked up by the Bengals earlier last year. In total, Chase will earn a base salary of $8 million, a roster bonus of $10 million, a restructure bonus of $22 million, and a workout bonus of $100,000 while carrying a cap hit of $23.5 million and a dead cap value of $74.9 million in 2025.
Here’s Chase’s base salary for each of the four years of the deal:
- 2026: $17.7 million
- 2027: $23.9 million
- 2028: $31.9 million
- 2029: $43.3 million
Chase has been the best receiver in the league since being drafted by the Bengals in 2020, and his value is undeniable. Chase’s 2024 season made the Bengals’ decision even easier, as he led the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17), becoming just the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to win the receiving triple crown.
Chase’s first four NFL seasons are among the best ever for a wide receiver. His 5,425 receiving yards trail only Justin Jefferson and Michael Thomas all-time.
With First-Team All-Pro honors under his belt at just 24 years old, Chase is rightly the highest-paid receiver in the league. Since 2021, he ranks first in receiving TDS (46), second in yards after catch (2,400), third in receiving yards (5,425), fifth in targets (582), and sixth in receptions (395).
Even as a rookie when he was picked fifth overall by the Bengals, Chase was dominant, recording the second-most receiving yards by a rookie since the AFL-NFL merger. Already having garnered All-Pro honors once alongside four Pro Bowl nods at just 24 years old, Chase was rightly made the highest-paid receiver in the league.
Chase’s Net Worth and Career Earnings
Chase’s net worth is currently estimated to be $25 million. However, that number is likely low, given his massive extension.
Since Chase was still on his rookie deal, his career earnings are $30,946,983 for now. This is obviously a ton of money, but relatively speaking, it pales in comparison to what veteran wideouts are earning.
For reference, DeAndre Hopkins ($139.4 million), Stefon Diggs ($137.3 million), Amari Cooper ($136.6 million), and Mike Evans ($134 million) have earned significantly more.
Still, it’s worth noting that this $30.8 million figure is just from Chase’s four-year rookie contract. This doesn’t factor in his various endorsement deals with companies like Nike and Pepsi.