The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to sign stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals this week not only revitalized their dynamic passing attack but also provided the team with ample material to take jabs at media critics. Chase and Higgins spoke with the press on Tuesday at Paycor Stadium, where they discussed their new contracts. Chase is now signed through 2029, making his $161 million deal the highest average annual salary for a non-quarterback in NFL history, while Higgins’s $115 million deal extends through 2028.
Despite many NFL insiders and commentators insisting for months that one or both deals wouldn’t materialize, the Bengals took the opportunity to publicize those predictions. On Wednesday, a day after the positive media conference, the team shared a video on X with the message “Actions speak louder,” featuring clips of Stephen A. Smith, Mike Florio, Pat McAfee, and Shannon Sharpe expressing skepticism about the team’s capability or willingness to secure extensions for the star wide receivers.
“The Bengals wanted to create the impression they tried,” Florio commented, adding, “You didn’t try, you failed.” Alongside the video, the team included numerous negative remarks from fans. McAfee quickly reacted on X, acknowledging, “Bengals Social just dunked on me and a few others.”
Actions speak louder. pic.twitter.com/meEGChNqci
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 20, 2025
Bengals Social just dunked on me and a few others… https://t.co/Y0jxiJ85lF pic.twitter.com/MVf3Qi1FVF
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 20, 2025
The franchise had faced significant backlash recently for tagging Higgins, with former Bengals star Chad Johnson labeling the decision “disrespectful.” Therefore, this moment of redemption must have been gratifying for everyone connected to the Bengals.
Fans and local media applauded the Bengals’ social media team for their post, with comments such as, “This is the best video you’ve ever made, tbh,” and, “The social media team felt as good as anyone posting this video. Great work to all involved!”
This is the best video you’ve ever made tbh
— Sara Elyse (@SaraElyse128) March 20, 2025
The social media team felt as good as anyone posting this video. Great work to all involved!
— Ohio Divided (@BuckeyeNatty) March 20, 2025
