Role ratings not mentioned by the way?
Regardless of the money situation, player 2 DB with 40 WE (somewhat low) without above average potential would definitely tilt the decision towards player one, 49 WE and above average potential. Huge gamble to ignore the potential of player 2 because of budget, in my opinion, not a waste when it is critical to the decision making. Also, if you are already low on money why the worry about a battle that you probably can not win.
I am not a fan of ignoring potential, that is a crap shoot that will go the wrong way too often. Yes, you could cut the guy later if you guess wrong but in doing so you may potentially tip your roster balance to an unfavorable position.
It has been a long time since we were in Bryant together, GL with your decision Columbusbuck!