Any signing in a salary capped league needs to be taken in the context of the final squad. At this stage I think we have 17/23 sports confirmed for next year. We simply don't know a) what his salary is, and b) whether Ernie seems him as a starting player or a backup.
this is all true
But there is an opportunity cost to signing any player in a salary capped league - it's one space and one salary that can't be used elsewhere (e.g. Leo this season). Even if you sign a player on the league minimum wage that's a spot that you can't use for someone else, say a young player.
If he is signed as a backup I'd prefer that spot was actually left available for Ridenton/Rufer to come off the bench. And we already have Hicks as a midfield backup. If he's signed to start again I would be disappointed but not that surprised.
Regarding Stein, that has a ring of truth to it. He's barely been involved in the last couple of games so maybe his head is elsewhere already. Would be a real shame to see him leave though.