On the surface that sounds right but next year is the final year of his contract,
Mr. don't take a pay cut is due $50 million in salary in 2026 (plus the pro rated signing bonus).
Mr. don't take a pay cut already has $40 million in in dead cap the following year in 2027.
In other words unless they extend him he will count $50+ million in dead cap whether they take the hit next year or kick the can one more time.
If he has a guy he loves you absolutely take a QB in the 1st. Sounds like Ward is the only one that might fit that category & he will be long gone.