The issue with TruJ he's a slightly above average CB who reportedly is seeking elite CB money. I think it makes much more sense to go get an average CB who is looking for average CB money.
The difference would not be $3M. TruJ could potentially cost double an average CB.
Average CBs last year signed in the $7M range. Based on past reports, TruJ was seeking more than what JJ got which was $12.5M. I doubt he's willing to sign for less given that they had to franchise him twice due to his demands.
If he's signed for something in the $14M neighborhood - which is what spotrac.com projects a comparable CB in Malcolm Butler to be worth - he could be double the average CB.
By going with the slightly lesser CB they're not degrading the team if you use that money saved on other needs or wants like say TE. It's about value. Snead said that you have to look at contracts by "what else could you do with that money?"
Here's what you could do with TruJ's $14M instead. EJ Gaines AND Jimmy Graham! Personally, I'd much rather do something like that.
If TruJ was actually elite, I may prefer to re-sign him on a high dollar contract but I don't view him that way.
We have to have a big picture focus... and saying they can do any and everything they want isn't reasonable.
