The 2019 LSU Tigers continue to shape the NFL, with Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase and Houston Texans DB Derek Stingley Jr. recently landing record-breaking contracts. Both Chase and Stingley played pivotal roles in LSU’s historic 15-0 championship run, led by Heisman Trophy winner QB Joe Burrow.
That dominant squad, which secured the College Football Playoff National Championship, is widely considered one of the greatest in college football history.
Ja’Marr Chase, Derek Stingley Jr. Land Historic Deals
Ja’Marr Chase and Derek Stingley Jr. have set new financial benchmarks in the NFL, securing record-breaking contract extensions. Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star wide receiver, has agreed to a four-year, $161 million extension, with a staggering $112 million guaranteed, as reported by FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz.
.@stingjr and @Real10jayy__ used to battle at @LSUfootball practice.
Now, they’re the highest-paid DB and WR in the league. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sSmkbLX80P
— NFL (@NFL) March 17, 2025
This deal positions him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, surpassing the previous record held by fellow LSU alum Justin Jefferson, who inked a deal with the Minnesota Vikings last year. Chase’s contract also edges out Myles Garrett’s recent extension with the Cleveland Browns, setting a new standard for elite playmakers.
Joe Burrow, Chase’s quarterback at both LSU and Cincinnati, voiced his support for the record-breaking deal.
“He deserves it all,” Burrow stated. “He works really hard for it. He’s obviously a great player and a great person. To etch his name in history like that is really special, and I’m excited to be a part of it. I know everybody else is, too.”
The extension follows a challenging offseason for Chase, who held out of training camp practices in pursuit of a long-term deal. Despite an initial contract impasse, the star receiver returned before the season opener and delivered a historic campaign.
He recorded career highs with 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns—becoming only the fifth player since the AFL-NFL merger to lead the league in all three categories and the youngest ever to accomplish the feat.
Meanwhile, Derek Stingley Jr. has also made history, securing a three-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Texans, with an unprecedented $89 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
His contract resets the market for defensive backs, eclipsing the previous record set by Carolina Panthers’ Jaycee Horn ($25 million annually). With an average annual salary of $30 million, Stingley now leads all cornerbacks in earnings.
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Stingley, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, had an outstanding season, matching his previous year’s total with five interceptions. His 18 passes defended ranked second in the league, and he allowed just 42 receptions on 90 targets—a 46.7% completion rate.
His elite coverage skills were reflected in his 84.4 Pro Football Focus grade, as he limited opposing quarterbacks to a mere 56.9 passer rating when targeted last season.
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