It makes the most sound business sense totally..and footballing sense too to be honest.
Brayford is a solid dependable experienced RB yes, still good enough for the Championship if he puts his mind to it..but what is he now, 29-30? He certainly isnt going to improve or get quicker and his value will be depreciating as well.. Whereas Williams youre getting a 23yr old on a free with plenty of scope for improvement (and value increase, when you get back into the Championship he will be plenty ready for the step up) and knows the rigours of league 1 pretty well now.. No brainer really! Also he would be a Wilder type player judging by the style and tempo he was employing at Northampton...young, fit and fast , can overlap and put crosses in which was what caught the eye whilst he was with us at Worcester..and he's since had the defensive side to his game more pollished up
The other 3 players you mentioned plus Williams would be absolutely worth it and the way forwards definitely, if Barnsley are letting a few others go like Hourihane then i'd be jumping through hoops to pull em in before anyone else scrags them anorl!