Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson shared his predictions about the future of Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins during a recent appearance on The Adam Schefter Podcast.
Johnson anticipates that Chase will finalize a new contract within the week and certainly before the season starts. He stated, “Ja’Marr’s deal will get done probably sometime this week. Definitely before the season starts, absolutely.” Johnson also warned that Chase won’t play if the contract is not secured before the season kicks off.
Former Cincinnati standout WR @ochocinco expects the Bengals and Ja’Marr Chase to get a long-term deal done this week. But in the event that they don’t, Johnson also believes Chase won’t step on the field without a new contract.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 19, 2024
Looking ahead, Johnson believes Higgins will depart after the 2024 season. Higgins is currently playing on a $21.8 million franchise tag for this year and is expected to become a free agent in the 2025 offseason. Johnson commented, “I think Tee’s going to play obviously on the franchise tag this year. He’ll be going somewhere else and he’ll get what’s deserving of him. Being paid like a number one receiver.”
Higgins had initially sought a trade in March due to stalled extension talks but later chose to stay with the Bengals for the season. As for Chase, who is under contract through 2025, he is eligible for a long-term extension. Despite limited discussions between Chase and the Bengals, Johnson remains hopeful that a new deal will be finalized before the Bengals’ season opener against the New England Patriots on September 8.
