Here's the one slight nuance where we disagree, though:
I don't think they're playing with fire; I think they're simply waiting as long as possible to keep their options open, on the off chance a trade does occur in time to clear more cap room for a multi-year deal. Then, if (once) it doesn't, they'll eventually sign for at or near their QOs just before camp opens. I could be wrong, but I'm 95% sure this isn't a big deal at all.
Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Gorton and the two agents weren't already in complete agreement already on both 1-year (the QO) and 2-year deals – and just waiting to see if there's any chance at all that they'll be able to go the 2-year route.