Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is having an incredible season, even as his team struggles. He’s already reached 1,319 receiving yards with a month to go, and the Bengals would be wise to keep Joe Burrow’s top target in house for the long haul.

However, Chase has been eligible for an extension since last offseason, and Cincinnati doesn’t necessarily need to rush to sign him to a new contract. He’ll surpass Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million deal at every signing, and until then, there’s no other receiver who can reshape the market.

However, Chase could be in line for an extension before the end of the year if Cincinnati commits to bringing back outside linebacker Tee Higgins.

Higgins is currently on the franchise tag and is not eligible for an extension until the offseason. As Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently noted, Higgins’ next deal is likely to shape the entire receiver market in 2025.

Bengals players, including Burrow, want Higgins to return.

Locking up Chase now could help the Bengals — who have just $6.5 million in cap space but are expected to have $59.7 million in 2025 — figure out what kind of offer they will make to Higgins in the spring can. It could also help Cincinnati begin the negotiation process with Higgins.

According to Kelsey Conway of the According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Higgins recently hired Chase’s agent. Rocky Arceneaux.

In a sense, the Bengals could begin to sign new contracts with both receivers at the same time.

Contract forecast: Four years, $145 million with $90 million guaranteed