While in win-now mode, teams generally exhaust every option possible to compete, including cap space. The Bengals aren't doing that and appear to hope for a cake-and-eat-it-too situation. It's a gamble that could pay off, yes, but a risky play that unnecessarily avoids some of the staples of modern all-in pursuits around a franchise quarterback.

Joe Burrow has repeatedly stressed the importance of the Bengals re-signing both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The Bengals' quarterback has gotten his wish as the team has come to terms with both star wide receivers,