I think if the cap wasn't restricting them, KJ would already be on the team. I think they're just hoping nobody swoops in right now and offers KJ an offer he can't refuse.
He is 31 so I don't blame them for cautiously negotiating, but I do believe KJ has plenty of football left in him. And that defense needs a guy like him in the middle. Sure, maybe they can draft a linebacker early, but I'm not confident that rookie would help stitch things up this year. Would have to be one helluva draft pick, like Darius Leonard day one impactful.