remember this guys Bryce Hall is entering his third year so in 2024 after 2 years of Stephon Gilmore he will be looking to get paid... His current value probably around $8 M annual but what if he took the next step playing along side a Pro Bowler, and improved his overall game? $12 - 17 M annual?
the growth of players helps the team long term success...
Signing someone like JC Jackson who could produce at a high level immediately will hinder the cap now and is he really worth that type of LONG TERM investment now?
Short term investments along with drafting prospects will grow the team into a future successful organization but overpaying for long term value now would only hurt the team down the road, that is my opinion...
Look at the offensive line, a mix of youth and veteran leadership... Do we want 5 young guys running wild and protecting ZW, of course but the best group is how to mix the talent from all ages together...
This is where I disagree with you. It is worth it to make an investment in a long-term asset if he truly is a long-term asset. If Jackson can be signed and he mans the #1 CB spot for the next several years, it is absolutely worth it. He would make the entire secondary better. Hall would be lights out as a #2, and down the line.
To me, Jackson makes far more sense than Gilmore does. Gilmore is the kind of move you make when CB is one of the few holes holding you back from truly competing. But if you can lock up a #1 CB just hitting his prime, assuming he fits the scheme, you do it. It is a premium enough position to merit the expense.
I will say, though, as to your OL analogy, I agree there. What I like about how the Jets handled it is that they made the veteran moves at C and at a versatile OT. C is the position where you get your line calls. You need someone to anchor the line who has been there before, and knows the scheme. McGovern was a smart signing. Fant was smart because he gave Douglas tons of flexibility, both in the draft and in FA.
When it comes to the secondary, if I am bringing in a veteran presence, it is more likely to be at safety. You don't need someone who still plays and runs like a stud. You essentially need a play caller for your secondary, and you're going to find that far more often at S than at CB. So I would go with someone like Jackson at CB, slide Hall over to be one of the best #2 CBs in the game, and bring in a wily veteran S. You do that, your secondary goes from being a weakness to being a tremendous strength.
