Yes, if there's an available game changer stud QB with brains enough to learn a new system quickly and perform out of the gate, then by all means pay the man. If not, get a solid depth piece and roll with one of the M's.
Nico admitted during an interview at spring practice that he has been busy working with the receivers to install a brand new scheme. So it was clearly about money.
The offense did change under Nico compared to where it was under Hendon. If the QB is unable to quickly react and hit receivers, it is hard to design an offense that includes much of a passing game.