JJ Watt Sounds Off on Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys: 'Reward Your Players Earlier'

The Bengals are hoping to sign Ja'Marr Chase to a contract extension this offseason.

James Rapien | Mar 9, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) catches a deep pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of the NFL Week 5 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. The Bengals led 17-14 at halftime. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:

Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI — The Bengals said they plan on making Ja'Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL this offseason.

That number went up on Sunday.

Myles Garrett signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns with $123.5 million guaranteed.

That will almost certainly push Chase's asking price up after he became the fifth player since the NFL merger to win the Triple Crown. Chase led the NFL in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708) and receiving touchdowns (17).

Future Hall of Famer JJ Watt chimed in on the situation, specifically referring to Chase's situation with the Bengals and Micah Parsons's situation with the Dallas Cowboys.

"Reward your players earlier and reap the benefits in the long run," Watt tweeted. "Dragging it out not only ends up costing more, it creates unnecessary tension. The longer you wait, the higher the price."

It's unclear what Chase will be looking for, but $40+ million per year is probably a safe bet.

Check out Watt's tweet below:

Reward your players earlier and reap the benefits in the long run.

Dragging it out not only ends up costing more, it creates unnecessary tension.

The longer you wait, the higher the price. https://t.co/EX72OYWEh5
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 9, 2025

For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon.

Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

'There's A Real Framework To Work Off Of' - Duke Tobin Dives Into Bengals Desire to Extend Ja'Marr Chase

Duke Tobin on Trey Hendrickson's Future With Bengals: 'He Has Earned a Pay Raise'

What Erick All's Injury Means for Bengals' Plans at Tight End in Free Agency and 2025 NFL Draft

Sources: Bengals Players 'Excited' About Defensive Coordinator Al Golden and Revamped Coaching Staff

Report: Arrests Made in Possible Relation to Joe Burrow Home Robbery

'He's an Expert Pass Pro Technician' - NFL World Reacts to Bengals New O-Line Coach Scott Peters

Former Bengals Coach Lou Anarumo Named Colts Defensive Coordinator

Legendary Bengals Coach Jim McNally Praises Offensive Line Hiring of Scott Peters

From Practice Squads to MMA to Cleveland and New England, Scott Peters' Journey Continues as Bengals O-Line Coach

Simple Quote Explains Bengals' Decision to Make Latest O-Line Coach Addition in Quest to Protect Joe Burrow

Bengals Fun Fact: Trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Cade York Finish 20-0

ESPN's Ben Solak Predicts Bengals Trade For Falcons Star Tight End Kyle Pitts

Cincinnati Bengals List of 2025 Opponents Finalized Ahead of Week 18 Season Finale

Best Player in Football: Joe Burrow Gets Ringing Endorsement for MVP Following Clutch Performance vs Denver Broncos

In Depth Look at Joe Burrow’s Case for NFL MVP Following Bengals’ Win Streak

'Sometime You Eat A S*** Sandwich' - Broncos CB Riley Moss Sums Up Outing Against Bengals, Tee Higgins

Playing on One Leg: Orlando Brown Jr. Shares Details of Broken Leg, His Ability to Play Through the Pain

Watch: Zac Taylor Tosses Out Game Balls Following Bengals’ Win Over Broncos in OT

Bengals WR Tee Higgins Talks Emotions, Gratitude and Mistakes After What Could Be His Final Home Game with Team

Listen: Radio Call of Tee Higgins’ Game-Winning Touchdown in Bengals’ Win Over Broncos

Ja’Marr Chase Breaks Another Bengals Record, Becomes All-Time Leader for Receptions in a Season

-----

Join the 53,000+ Bengals fans that subscribe to us on YouTube.

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast

Follow on TikTok

Published Mar 9, 2025

JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati