NFL Confidential: Inside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins' leverage play with the Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals sent shockwaves through the NFL over the weekend by reaching historic terms with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The fellow star wide receivers had achieved something unprecedented within an organization long known for its frugality. My latest column pulls back the curtain on how it happened.

Months after Chase and the Bengals were unable to come to terms on an extension and Higgins played on the franchise tag, both players secured deals featuring multiyear guarantees — a rarity for Cincinnati, previously done only for Joe Burrow — with Chase's deal including guarantees into his fourth year. It was a negotiating masterclass by agent Rocky Arceneaux, who represents both players.

"As great as those two guys are, I never thought those deals would get done — certainly not at those numbers," a former NFL general manager told FOX Sports. "It's not who the Bengals are; it goes against every fiber of their organizational DNA. 

"The irony is, it helps them long term. You have a great quarterback, and you've now told him, ‘We believe in you so much, we're going to do something we've never done before.' That matters."

On a personal note, I was fortunate to have dinner with Chase and Higgins at Prime 112 in Miami the night their deals were finalized. Their gratitude and commitment to a specific plan stood out. They repeatedly emphasized the importance of getting these deals done — together — and how special it was to remain teammates.

Both spoke about their desire to finally bring a Super Bowl to Cincinnati and how crucial it was to do so alongside Burrow. There was relief, but no complacency — just excitement to get back to work. 

Chase, fresh off his triple crown season, is now the highest-paid