Chase is about to make bank, and the Bengals have plenty of cap space to make it happen.
The Cincinnati Bengals will have more money to play with as it looks to re-sign Tee Higgins and also extend Ja’Marr Chase this offseason.
Multiple reports indicate that the NFL informed teams Wednesday that the 2025 per-team salary cap would be between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, an increase of over $20 million from last year’s $255.4 million cap.
Overall, the salary cap has increased by over $50 million in the last two years.
With the increase, the Bengals are now estimated to have $51-55 million in cap space available this offseason without factoring in any roster cuts or restructured contracts.
If the Bengals are to release veteran defensive end Sam Hubbard as many projects, it would give the team an additional $9.5 million in cap space.
Regardless of whether the team cuts Hubbard or not, $51-55 million feels like enough to retain Higgins and pay Chase the $40 million per year he’s set to make, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
“That’s right: Chase will command at least $40 million per season,” Schultz wrote.
It’s clear the Bengals will have to spend more money on non-quarterbacks than they have in franchise history to keep both Higgins and Chase in Cincinnati for the long term.
Look for Joe Burrow to do whatever he can to restructure his contract if that will help the cause as well.
The NFL today informed teams that the 2025 per-team salary cap will fall in the range of $277.5 million to $281.5 million, way up from last year’s $255.4 million. Cap will have increased by more than $53 million over the last two years.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) February 19, 2025
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