Ja’Marr Chase Latest 2019 LSU Team Member to get MASSIVE Second NFL Contract

Ja’Marr Chase Latest 2019 LSU Team Member to Get MASSIVE Second NFL Contract

When Ja’Marr Chase was drafted fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, many people knew he was destined for greatness. After a sensational two-year career at LSU, which included setting multiple records and helping lead the Tigers to a national title in 2019, Chase’s transition to the NFL was highly anticipated. And while it didn’t take long for him to fulfill expectations, Chase’s career trajectory has far exceeded even the highest hopes for the former LSU wide receiver.

As of 2025, Ja’Marr Chase has become the latest player from the 2019 LSU Tigers national championship-winning team to sign a massive second contract in the NFL. In this piece, we’ll break down Chase’s meteoric rise in the NFL, the significance of his latest contract, how he compares to other members of the 2019 LSU team, and what this means for the future of not only his career but also the legacy of that legendary LSU squad.

Ja’Marr Chase’s Incredible Career So Far

To understand the magnitude of Ja’Marr Chase’s success, it’s essential to reflect on his rise from LSU to the NFL. Chase’s college career was nothing short of extraordinary. During the 2019 LSU season, he set the FBS record for receiving yards in a season with 1,780 yards, making an impact in nearly every game. He also registered 20 touchdown receptions, a feat that made him the best wide receiver in college football that year. His chemistry with then-quarterback Joe Burrow was undeniable, leading to one of the most dynamic duos in college football history.

Chase’s decision to opt out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t affect his draft stock one bit. In fact, many analysts believed that it was a clear indication of his professionalism and confidence, as he chose to prepare for the NFL draft instead of risking injury. That decision would ultimately pay off as he became the Cincinnati Bengals’ top draft pick in 2021.

Ja’Marr Chase’s Instant Impact with the Cincinnati Bengals

Upon entering the NFL, Ja’Marr Chase wasted no time proving he was ready to perform at the highest level. Despite concerns over his absence from college football in 2020, Chase silenced doubters immediately. In his rookie season, he finished with 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns—numbers that made him an easy choice for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Chase’s immediate success can largely be attributed to his elite skill set. His speed, agility, and ability to create separation from defenders are unparalleled, and he quickly became one of the most feared wide receivers in the NFL. His chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow was evident from day one, as the two picked up right where they left off during their LSU days. Together, they formed one of the most potent quarterback-wide receiver duos in the NFL.

Beyond his impressive statistics, Chase’s presence on the field significantly impacted the Bengals’ offense. His deep-ball ability opened up the field, giving Joe Burrow and the Bengals more opportunities to attack defenses. Chase played a key role in the Bengals’ Super Bowl appearance in 2021, and despite the Bengals falling short, his performance throughout the postseason demonstrated that he was already one of the best receivers in the league.

Ja’Marr Chase’s Second Contract: A Historic Deal

Fast forward to 2025, and Ja’Marr Chase has already signed his second NFL contract, a deal that reflects his rise as one of the top wide receivers in the league. In a world where NFL contracts for elite players are often astronomical, Chase’s new contract makes him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.

Chase’s five-year, $150 million extension with the Cincinnati Bengals includes a record-setting $70 million in guarantees, an eye-popping figure that highlights his value to the franchise. This deal not only solidifies his place among the top-paid wideouts but also serves as an important milestone for a player who has only been in the NFL for a few years.

The $70 million in guaranteed money ranks Chase among the highest-paid players at his position, reflecting his tremendous production and the Bengals’ long-term commitment to him. What makes this contract even more significant is the fact that Chase is still in the prime of his career. He’s just 24 years old and, after two stellar seasons, his future in the NFL looks incredibly bright. His second contract serves as a testament to the kind of sustained excellence he has shown on the field, as well as his ability to make an immediate impact for his team.

Comparison to Other 2019 LSU Teammates

Ja’Marr Chase is not the only member of the 2019 LSU Tigers squad who has made an impact at the professional level. As we look at the roster from that national championship-winning team, we see a group of players who have, for the most part, transitioned to the NFL and carved out strong careers. However, Chase’s contract stands out for several reasons.

1. Joe Burrow: Burrow, the quarterback of that iconic LSU team, was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2020 NFL Draft. After leading the Bengals to the Super Bowl in just his second season and securing a lucrative second contract extension in 2024, Burrow has become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Much like Chase, Burrow has lived up to the hype and continues to build a legacy in Cincinnati. Together, Burrow and Chase have formed a dynamic duo, with both players now firmly entrenched as stars in the NFL.
2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire: The former LSU running back, drafted 32nd overall in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, has enjoyed success in the NFL as well. While his career has had some ups and downs, Edwards-Helaire has been a part of a Super Bowl-winning Chiefs team, and his contract reflects the importance of his role in Kansas City’s offensive scheme. While not as lucrative as Chase’s deal, Edwards-Helaire’s contract remains a reminder of LSU’s ability to produce players who contribute to successful NFL teams.
3. Justin Jefferson: Another former LSU wide receiver who is seeing huge success in the NFL is Justin Jefferson, drafted 22nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Jefferson’s meteoric rise has been well-documented, and in 2024, he signed a massive contract extension with the Vikings that solidified his place among the NFL’s top-paid receivers. His playmaking ability, similar to Chase’s, has made him a key part of the Vikings’ offense. Jefferson’s contract places him in the same tier as Chase, both representing the incredible success LSU has had in developing elite wide receivers.
4. Terrace Marshall Jr.: Marshall, another wide receiver from the 2019 LSU team, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2021 NFL Draft. While Marshall’s career hasn’t yet reached the heights of Chase or Jefferson, his potential remains high, and he has been a contributor to the Panthers’ offense. Like Chase, Marshall was part of that dominant LSU wide receiver trio and has the opportunity to continue growing in the NFL.

Ja’Marr Chase’s second contract stands as an affirmation of his incredible development since leaving LSU. Among the players from that team, he has established himself as a true star at the highest level of professional football. While other players, like Burrow and Jefferson, are also earning massive deals, it’s clear that Chase has now joined their ranks as one of the NFL’s elite talents.

What’s Next for Ja’Marr Chase?

Looking ahead, Ja’Marr Chase has the potential to continue to ascend as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for many years to come. His contract extension with the Bengals reflects not only his past success but also the team’s belief in his ability to be a cornerstone player for the future. With Burrow as his quarterback, Chase has the luxury of playing in one of the league’s most potent offenses, and there’s little doubt that the Bengals will be a playoff contender for the foreseeable future.

Chase’s commitment to staying with the Bengals for the long haul is a major boost for the franchise. With the Bengals’ championship window wide open, Chase will be a focal point for their offense, and his ability to continue to produce big plays will be a key factor in whether Cincinnati can capture its first Super Bowl title.

Legacy of the 2019 LSU Tigers

Ja’Marr Chase’s second NFL contract is a reflection of the ongoing success of the 2019 LSU Tigers team. With numerous players from that squad now thriving in the NFL, LSU’s football program has established itself as one of the premier breeding grounds for NFL talent. The Tigers’ national championship victory in 2019, coupled with the incredible individual success of players like Burrow, Jefferson, and now Chase, has left an indelible mark on college football history.

Chase’s latest contract represents the culmination of a remarkable journey that began on the Bayou and continues to unfold on the NFL’s biggest stage. His success story is just one of many from the 2019 LSU team, but it stands as a testament to the incredible talent that program continues to produce year after year.