The Bengals just resigned star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive deals. Chase will be earning $40.25 million over the next four years (becoming the highest-paid non-QB by $0.25 million) and Higgins will earn $28.75 million per year for four years. These contracts combined with Joe Burrow’s $55 million per year fill up 44 percent of the team’s salary cap.

Chase was the Triple Crown winner among receivers last season meaning he was atop the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Burrow led the league in passing yards and touchdowns. Higgins fell just short of 1,000 yards with 10 touchdowns as Burrow’s second target.

The concern of the team was the defense. Cincinnati’s defense was towards the bottom of the league in most categories. The team retained most of their defensive line with new contracts but run the risk of losing the NFL’s sacks leader, Trey Hendrickson, because they cannot afford to resign him next season.

Many fans are comparing the management of this team’s management to someone playing Madden. Making star players happy is important, but focusing on three offensive weapons over the holes in the team is a very amateur way of building a team. There is the chance they will draft a lot of defense but they need veteran defensive players who can help them win now. Without some veteran trades or free agency signings, the Bengals will be set to repeat last season and will not have a defense that can win championships before Burrow’s prime is over.

Featured Image via si.com