How to handle free agency

[pastapadre]

Alright, looking for suggestions in this area.

The simplest thing might be to force every team to leave a number of players "unprotected" each offseason. It could be something like one 90+ rated (every other season so 16 teams each year), two 80-89 rated, three 70-79 rated, five 55-69 rated.

Those players would all become free agents. Then it would be a matter how to distribute given no salary cap. We could create our own cap, and use those numbers to bid on players. Or we could go inverse order of previous season record like a waivers system and not worry about creating something like a cap.

So any ideas and thoughts are welcome.

[DavePSU]

Alright, looking for suggestions in this area.

The simplest thing might be to force every team to leave a number of players "unprotected" each offseason. It could be something like one 90+ rated (every other season so 16 teams each year), two 80-89 rated, three 70-79 rated, five 55-69 rated.

Those players would all become free agents. Then it would be a matter how to distribute given no salary cap. We could create our own cap, and use those numbers to bid on players. Or we could go inverse order of previous season record like a waivers system and not worry about creating something like a cap.

So any ideas and thoughts are welcome.

I still like my idea of having a set amount of credits -- like 50.

Check offline to see how many years are left on each players contract for each team and put them on a spreadsheet and on the forum.

Anyway, that will help decide who becomes a FA and when. This takes that part of the problem out.

Then when we have our FA pool (from the guys contracts in the game). We each bid with the credits that we have. For our own guys, we have first dibs at a "Set" amount. So like... if a 90+ overall guy's contract is up. You must give up 15 credits to keep him on your roster for the next 3 seasons. If an 80+ ovr is a free agent, it cost 8-10 credits, etc,...

Sounds confusing, but once everything is laid down, it would be pretty simple.

[Tdoggy]

A waiver-like system would be interesting.d

[Xtremedunkz]

this is what we are using in my own league pasta.

http://xmofl.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rules&action=display&thread=4

[DavePSU]

I don't mind a waiver system, I just find it bad that some teams would have to give up players their team may not otherwise ever not re-sign.

For example, I'll use my team.

McNabb, Westbrook, Peters, Sh. Andrews, T. Cole, Samuel.

What are the chances that these guys wouldn't be brought back? Most are younger players and two of them are the entire core of the offense. Yet, I'd have to release one because of a waiver system.

I think owners should have the chance to keep players on their team, but at a price/risk of having to lose out in another area.

[pastapadre]

Well if we did something like the "unprotected players" system I proposed, unless you only had one 90 rated player you could hang onto them. Or we could do something like a "franchise tag" where that could leave you with less flexibility with signing other free agents.

The thing I don't like about waivers is you're rewarding the worst team/player, which is already being done with the draft.

[DavePSU]

Yeah, I think the waiver free agency is overkill considering the draft as well.

Maybe we should just set things up, see how they are first and then decide on it. I mean, this really isn't important until the end of the season -- so we have a LONG time to figure this out.

[Smoke316]

Pasta check this out and let me know what you think.. i think with a lil tweaking this can really work,, especially with a franchise tag sorta thing

http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24680

[Smoke316]

this is what we are using in my own league pasta.

http://xmofl.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rules&action=display&thread=4

i kinda like this set up.. still a lil confused on the slots but its similiar to what i posted from another site. Im trying to to it into lamens terms

[DavePSU]

Pasta check this out and let me know what you think.. i think with a lil tweaking this can really work,, especially with a franchise tag sorta thing

http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24680

I like this method, but instead of doing it with the 15 bids. We should just give each owner 50 million and they can bid on who they want against other owners.

The whole protected, RFA and UFA format is really well done if we're doing 22 protected guys.

[Smoke316]

I like this method, but instead of doing it with the 15 bids. We should just give each owner 50 million and they can bid on who they want against other owners.

The whole protected, RFA and UFA format is really well done if we're doing 22 protected guys.

I agree Dave maybe if we use a mix of the 2.I like the fact that i can protect players form ever leaving. with the 22 protected your basically protecting your starters for the upcoming season. and if not one bids on your players u keep them. I think this gives a lot of room for player movement as well. I wouldn't even be adverse to moving that number from 22 to say 18 or 20.

[MassMovement]

i think we should have a franchise tag system also because a team in which i have Chargers cant let Shawne Merriman get away or like Cowboys Demarcus Ware

[DavePSU]

I agree Dave maybe if we use a mix of the 2.I like the fact that i can protect players form ever leaving. with the 22 protected your basically protecting your starters for the upcoming season. and if not one bids on your players u keep them. I think this gives a lot of room for player movement as well. I wouldn't even be adverse to moving that number from 22 to say 18 or 20.

I think 22 is perfect because everyone has a starter they probably wouldn't protect, if not more. We all know that some teams have two good RBs like Carolina where you'd obviously protect both, which means another starter is going into the FA pool.

One thing I'd also change is that rookies (3 years or less) are RFAs. I think that rookies should fall under the 22 player protection base.

[July 4 1776]

Not sure if your interested but I already have a point system designed. If your interested I can email it to you. Its on an excel sheat and already nearly done.

Points are based on ratings or Salary cap "easy switch" and has points assigned to everything including draft picks. That allows for teams to actually "build" a team instead of just picking a team. It also allows for penalties for people that overpay for players. Its a really though out system and keep easily be ready to implement by games release.

[Hector831]

I think 22 is perfect because everyone has a starter they probably wouldn't protect, if not more. We all know that some teams have two good RBs like Carolina where you'd obviously protect both, which means another starter is going into the FA pool.

One thing I'd also change is that rookies (3 years or less) are RFAs. I think that rookies should fall under the 22 player protection base.

I really like that concept Dave. Sounds good, though however we end up going about it should be good.

[Smoke316]

I think 22 is perfect because everyone has a starter they probably wouldn't protect, if not more. We all know that some teams have two good RBs like Carolina where you'd obviously protect both, which means another starter is going into the FA pool.

One thing I'd also change is that rookies (3 years or less) are RFAs. I think that rookies should fall under the 22 player protection base.

If rookies are included in the 22 then there are def going to be some tough decisions to make (which is great). Although with the protection of rookies for 3 yrs you get the time to see if they develop into a starter you want. you may not see that in the first year... so its a tough call i kinda like the RFA

[July 4 1776]

I dont like the idea of your rookies counting towards your 22. Why even draft? You know it will take the rookies 1 to 2 years to develop

[DavePSU]

I dont like the idea of your rookies counting towards your 22. Why even draft? You know it will take the rookies 1 to 2 years to develop

Why not just stop FA entirely then? lol. If we're protecting 41 (22 players and then 21 players of <3 or less due to 7 rounds per draft) players out of a roster of 53. What would be the point of even having Free Agency?

[Smoke316]

Why not just stop FA entirely then? lol. If we're protecting 41 (22 players and then 21 players of <3 or less due to 7 rounds per draft) players out of a roster of 53. What would be the point of even having Free Agency?

good point dave. ok lets raises the number from 22 to say 27?

[July 4 1776]

What im saying is that if thats the way we do it, I would never sign draft picks. It wouldnt make sense to drop a 85 for a rookie thats a 76 and may be an 85 in 2 years. So if this is what we are doing, every season Im just going to not draft and keep my starting 22, every year maybe bidding on a better player for my starting 22. There will be no reason for me to draft. Like you said its not real life, so backups wont matter to significantly. Also if your rookies count towards the 22 them by the third season 21 of your players would have to be less then 3 year players. It just doesnt sound like a good idea. Like I said, if thats what we are going with, im not drafting. Even if we raise the number to 27 thats only 6 vetrans by week season 3 in with your logic. If you raise it to 27, im keeping only my starters, kicker, punter, maybe 4 backups, and my first rd pick and forfeiting the rest of the draft and picking up proven players in free agency. I just dont think the system thats proposed is doable.


I have seen another system that is simalr that makes you drop one of your top 7 players, 5 of your top 25, and 10 total players. Then whoever finishes last in the season gets first pick of the players that are cut, in ascending order to the SB champs. At least that way Im not just keeping rookies after season three and I have a little bit of choice

[DavePSU]

What im saying is that if thats the way we do it, I would never sign draft picks. It wouldnt make sense to drop a 85 for a rookie thats a 76 and may be an 85 in 2 years. So if this is what we are doing, every season Im just going to not draft and keep my starting 22, every year maybe bidding on a better player for my starting 22. There will be no reason for me to draft. Like you said its not real life, so backups wont matter to significantly. Also if your rookies count towards the 22 them by the third season 21 of your players would have to be less then 3 year players. It just doesnt sound like a good idea. Like I said, if thats what we are going with, im not drafting. Even if we raise the number to 27 thats only 6 vetrans by week season 3 in with your logic. If you raise it to 27, im keeping only my starters, kicker, punter, maybe 4 backups, and my first rd pick and forfeiting the rest of the draft and picking up proven players in free agency. I just dont think the system thats proposed is doable.


I have seen another system that is simalr that makes you drop one of your top 7 players, 5 of your top 25, and 10 total players. Then whoever finishes last in the season gets first pick of the players that are cut, in ascending order to the SB champs. At least that way Im not just keeping rookies after season three and I have a little bit of choice

What you're saying makes no sense because season-ending injuries happen all the time in franchise mode. Players also get hurt for weeks on end. How are backups insignificant? That logic is pretty fail man. Backups ARE important in franchise. They're not important in an online ranked game because it's only ONE game.

Your math is also wrong. How do you get 21 of the 22 protected players would be rookies? They wouldn't. You RELEASE them. Why would you want to keep rookies you draft that end up being 55 OVR's? You wouldn't. How often do you end up with duds in the draft in offline franchise? I'm guessing often. And with how the new rating system is, I'm guessing you're going to end up with more duds than before.

Your stars in Madden are ALWAYS going to come from the first 3 rounds of the draft. Considering every team has aging players, that means that in every 3 years, if you chose to keep ALL draft picks from the first 3 rounds, you're looking at 9 of the 22 at most. But with aging players and guys retiring from every team -- is 9 really that many when you think of the guys you're going to be forced to replace?

With the strategy you just described, you'll be keeping 3 rookies every 3 years. Good luck with that while your team deteriorates with age (thus goes down in ratings) and with backups not being important, lol.

With your strategy, you're running the team into the cellar.

[DavePSU]

Anywho, EA screwed us on this is the bottom line, IMO.

Whatever we decide to go with is going to involve a ton of trial and error.

[Smoke316]

Good pt July..man you guys have me jumping back and forth on this. We have to find something where we can keep our rookies long enough to make an evaluation but at the same time keep the draft relevant. I do believe witht he new ratings system and fatigue being a factor that backups are going to be very important ina franchise. That is one thing i was real big on for a few yrs now, the impact of the backups. July my question to you is how do you then go about dealing with rookies and ensuring some movement in the offseason with your system?

[BonesMahoney]

Definitely agree about not using a waiver system. I like the idea of the protecting so many players every year though. If you protect 22 players every year it will allow you to keep the core of your team together, but also allow for the FA period to at least be interesting. There are going to be some pretty good players let go every year because there's someone better on the team, someone younger, etc..

[July 4 1776]

What you're saying makes no sense because season-ending injuries happen all the time in franchise mode. Players also get hurt for weeks on end. How are backups insignificant? That logic is pretty fail man. Backups ARE important in franchise. They're not important in an online ranked game because it's only ONE game.

Your math is also wrong. How do you get 21 of the 22 protected players would be rookies? They wouldn't. You RELEASE them. Why would you want to keep rookies you draft that end up being 55 OVR's? You wouldn't. How often do you end up with duds in the draft in offline franchise? I'm guessing often. And with how the new rating system is, I'm guessing you're going to end up with more duds than before.

Your stars in Madden are ALWAYS going to come from the first 3 rounds of the draft. Considering every team has aging players, that means that in every 3 years, if you chose to keep ALL draft picks from the first 3 rounds, you're looking at 9 of the 22 at most. But with aging players and guys retiring from every team -- is 9 really that many when you think of the guys you're going to be forced to replace?

With the strategy you just described, you'll be keeping 3 rookies every 3 years. Good luck with that while your team deteriorates with age (thus goes down in ratings) and with backups not being important, lol.

With your strategy, you're running the team into the cellar.

I disagree with the logic that my team would run into the cellar, especially considering we are probably at most playing 3 or 4 seasons realisticly. Also backups would be irrelevant beacuase EVERY YEAR they would change. Why try to build a backup team. I would just pick up players of the same caliber in free agency. From what I understood you had to keep rookies three years, If we can cut rookies than my argument on that is irrelevent

Im just trying to spin a perspective on the way we are going to do this. I just want to show some flaws in the system before we implement a system. I will completely agree and support whatever way we do this,and any way we do it is going to be hard. I dont think EA can truthfully call this an Online Franchise, more of an online league.

[July 4 1776]

Good pt July..man you guys have me jumping back and forth on this. We have to find something where we can keep our rookies long enough to make an evaluation but at the same time keep the draft relevant. I do believe witht he new ratings system and fatigue being a factor that backups are going to be very important ina franchise. That is one thing i was real big on for a few yrs now, the impact of the backups. July my question to you is how do you then go about dealing with rookies and ensuring some movement in the offseason with your system?

In yhe other system I use, movement is has to be done with you releasing 1 of 7 of your top players and 5 of your top 25, making more top player movement making FA interesting. The rookies have to be on your team for two years, and then they can be cut to. My system isnt flawless either, just different with different flaws.
My best idea is a point system based on salary cap and years remaining. that way people would actually be running a franchise and actually building up a team. You could ensure movemnet their by adding a certain amount of money(points) to each player every year, and then when they get put into free agency have people bid on three year contracts. That way overspenders get hurt, and you got your movement and your rookies to three year contracts.

[C Dawg504]

So far I like July 4's ideas the most. He seems to have really thought about this.

[pastapadre]

Enjoying the discussion on how to deal with this. But also we should figure out what we'll do with free agency in this first season. There are some decent guys sitting in the FA pool at the start like Edge, Harrison, Plaxico, McAlister that I'm sure people will be looking at.

[ShopCartRicky]

Plaxico prolly shouldn't be available imo if we're going by the real NFL.

[Tdoggy]

I know this wouldn't happen but I feel that it should be mentioned anyway. Say there is a lot of interest in Harrison. A third party could act as Harrison. Each interested owner could make their "pitch" in writing to the third party, telling him why their team is the best. I know that monetary motives are common in the NFL, but location, system, caliber of the team, etc. has to count for something. Since money isn't an option in this Franchise, maybe we could play more into these motives.

[Terrorblaze]

How about we do something like each team can protect any 22 players and 10 "prospects" which would be any player 3 years into the league or less. That way we can keep our starters and young guys as well.

[DavePSU]

Enjoying the discussion on how to deal with this. But also we should figure out what we'll do with free agency in this first season. There are some decent guys sitting in the FA pool at the start like Edge, Harrison, Plaxico, McAlister that I'm sure people will be looking at.

I think this is where the bid system is supreme.

Plaxico prolly shouldn't be available imo if we're going by the real NFL.

Why? He's available right now in the real NFL, but teams are waiting for a ruling on his care before taking the risk.

I know this wouldn't happen but I feel that it should be mentioned anyway. Say there is a lot of interest in Harrison. A third party could act as Harrison. Each interested owner could make their "pitch" in writing to the third party, telling him why their team is the best. I know that monetary motives are common in the NFL, but location, system, caliber of the team, etc. has to count for something. Since money isn't an option in this Franchise, maybe we could play more into these motives.

I think this is where the bid system comes into play.

[DavePSU]

How about we do something like each team can protect any 22 players and 10 "prospects" which would be any player 3 years into the league or less. That way we can keep our starters and young guys as well.

This + the bid system on FA = best option, IMO

[pastapadre]

Plus now thinking about it, this could be the Vick sweepstakes if he isn't signed by that roster update.

[ShopCartRicky]

Lol whoever wants vick can have him. The only time I've ever had trouble playing against vick users is when someone actually knew how to play with him in the pocket.

I like the idea of using other motives for getting a player also that is a FA. However, that being said Jax is pretty much eliminated.

Also, I think for rookies, when you draft them it should be assumed that they have signed a 1yr contract til the end of preseason as which the owner who drafted them is given a chance to keep them for up to 3 years (1st/2nd Round), 2 years (3-5), 1year (6-7).

That would solve the draft issues with rookies being unprotected.

[DavePSU]

Plus now thinking about it, this could be the Vick sweepstakes if he isn't signed by that roster update.

I have no desire to pick him up, lol.

[Smoke316]

I have no desire to pick him up, lol.

..so is that a no Dave lol..Pasta you gotta keep track of the no's like Espn

[July 4 1776]

Well the free agent salary cap point system completely solves any problems about bidding for players, even in the first season. You have a league wide salary cap and thats about 10 points above the highest salaried team and then you start the bidding on 3 year contracts. If you cut a free agent higher you lose half of what he was getting paid for the rest of his contract.

Like I said I already have an excel sheet drawn up on this for another league, the only things missing are the salaries and the years remaining from the excel sheet.

We could use a point system something like this

0-0.5 mil-1poiny
.5-1 mil-2points
1-1.5 mil-3 points
1.5-2 mil-4 points
ect.
then you add up the points for each team and determine a league wide salary cap
You also assign points to draft pics, ex
1st pick 1st round-15 points
12st pick 2nd round-13 points and so on

[DavePSU]

Well the free agent salary cap point system completely solves any problems about bidding for players, even in the first season. You have a league wide salary cap and thats about 10 points above the highest salaried team and then you start the bidding on 3 year contracts. If you cut a free agent higher you lose half of what he was getting paid for the rest of his contract.

Like I said I already have an excel sheet drawn up on this for another league, the only things missing are the salaries and the years remaining from the excel sheet.

We could use a point system something like this

0-0.5 mil-1poiny
.5-1 mil-2points
1-1.5 mil-3 points
1.5-2 mil-4 points
ect.
then you add up the points for each team and determine a league wide salary cap
You also assign points to draft pics, ex
1st pick 1st round-15 points
12st pick 2nd round-13 points and so on

This sounds way too complicated man. I think the protected players idea combined with a bidding system is going to be so much more simpler.

[MassMovement]

point system for first year should go based off what ever team cap number if your the Jets and your cap is 18.6 round it you get 19 that means you have 19 points total to bid on a free agent and so on. And whatever the cap number points result to is how we should use for the order of free agency next season.

[MassMovement]

i will go after Vick if he is there

[July 4 1776]

Not any more complicated than an actual salary cap, actually less complicated. There would still be bidding with whatever money that is not in the on your salary cap. I just think its the best system, If we should go with another simpler system than so be it.

[dmcnabb5]

bidding sounds cool.....and its funny...vick might not even join the nfl... mite join america football league

[Xtremedunkz]

Simple system

players starting salary is their OVERALL RATING. Team salaries are the combined total of all players overall rating. Salary cap starts of at 103% of the highest teams salary number (Giants I believe) However much cap room your team has, if the amount of points you have to bid on free agents. Free agents salaries are whatever the highest bidder is willing to pay (minimum bid is the players overall rating)

[Hector831]

I'm still liking the bidding system + protecting a certain number of players. I mean whatever system we use is gonna have some flaws but I think this one would be somewhat easier for all of us. I also like Terr0rBlaze's idea of being able to protect 10 "prospects" along with the 22 players. Only thing is maybe reduce the number from 10 to maybe 7.

[Xtremedunkz]

I'm still liking the bidding system + protecting a certain number of players. I mean whatever system we use is gonna have some flaws but I think this one would be somewhat easier for all of us. I also like Terr0rBlaze's idea of being able to protect 10 "prospects" along with the 22 players. Only thing is maybe reduce the number from 10 to maybe 7.

thats too many. That is every single starter on your roster, plus any good young guys you have besides them. So basically free agency will consist only of bad veterans and punters.

[WWOFTBBNR]

I like the idea Xtremedunkz proposed, with the cap being the rating of all players on roster.

Also, Pasta, have you heard any rumblings about a fix for online franchise? I know they were careful to say that since the franchise is server based, they would be able to implement changes much quicker than if they needed to release a patch.

[Smoke316]

thats too many. That is every single starter on your roster, plus any good young guys you have besides them. So basically free agency will consist only of bad veterans and punters.

yea i think what you can do with the system i brought up is that some of your bids are used to protect certain players on ur team. So if you start with 15 bids and 22 protected players. you can use lets any # of ur bids on players you want to protect players who aren't part of the initial 22. Now in FA, lets say 3 people want x player. I can put up 3 of my bids on x player and make the other 2 teams try and out bid me. So in the end if it takes 5 bids to get x player, i just lost 5 bids. You guys follow what im sayin?

Its a fairly simple system i think for everyone to understand and follow. Its going to take take leg work on Pasta's part but i think we can make it as simple as possible by making an initial list by lets say Wild Card Weekend of or franchise. By then teams definitely know who at the least they want to keep. That list could be put up so other teams see who def wont be available. That way only the RFA's are left to figure out. If we can all do a little to help the commish things can def run real smooth and maybe we can get to 5+ years of this franchise if we call stay committed. Thoughts?

[July 4 1776]

yea i think what you can do with the system i brought up is that some of your bids are used to protect certain players on ur team. So if you start with 15 bids and 22 protected players. you can use lets any # of ur bids on players you want to protect players who aren't part of the initial 22. Now in FA, lets say 3 people want x player. I can put up 3 of my bids on x player and make the other 2 teams try and out bid me. So in the end if it takes 5 bids to get x player, i just lost 5 bids. You guys follow what im sayin?

Its a fairly simple system i think for everyone to understand and follow. Its going to take take leg work on Pasta's part but i think we can make it as simple as possible by making an initial list by lets say Wild Card Weekend of or franchise. By then teams definitely know who at the least they want to keep. That list could be put up so other teams see who def wont be available. That way only the RFA's are left to figure out. If we can all do a little to help the commish things can def run real smooth and maybe we can get to 5+ years of this franchise if we call stay committed. Thoughts?

It doesnt seem like a simple system at all. From the way these things are sounding going if we do the 22, I think the easiest and way to run my franchise is to keep my 22 starters every year, and boost up positions based on whatever system we run the most through free agency. That way every year aside from old age ratings drops my team can only get better out of the base formation. It seems like every year we will have a new backups besdies the original 22 anyways so there is no real reason to worry about backups or building a team.

[July 4 1776]

I like the idea Xtremedunkz proposed, with the cap being the rating of all players on roster.

Also, Pasta, have you heard any rumblings about a fix for online franchise? I know they were careful to say that since the franchise is server based, they would be able to implement changes much quicker than if they needed to release a patch.

Seams relatively easy, the one flaw is player movement, as each year you can keep all of your players. If you could implement a way to up players worth every year so you have to release them. the point system i have worked out in excel makes this possible

[Details]

I know they were careful to say that since the franchise is server based, they would be able to implement changes much quicker than if they needed to release a patch.

This is what I'm curious about.

Are they already designing solutions for these kinds of issues? I'm all for coming up with our own solutions, but it'd be nice to know the Madden team was working on something official to be released as soon as possible.

[C Dawg504]

Seams relatively easy, the one flaw is player movement, as each year you can keep all of your players. If you could implement a way to up players worth every year so you have to release them. the point system i have worked out in excel makes this possible

I think you should just post a link to download your point system excel so everyone can have a look at it.

[July 4 1776]

I think you should just post a link to download your point system excel so everyone can have a look at it.

I dont have it downloaded any where, but if anyone leaves me their email, I will gladly email it to you by tonight and then if they could post a link

[C Dawg504]

ccbrink45@gmail.com

[Smoke316]

Seansemp@vzw.blackberry.net

[July 4 1776]

Sent to you guys. Thanks

[C Dawg504]

Here is the spreadsheet on google docs.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=tYe4I1GUpNDDmTmXMPADd5Q

Here is the spreadsheet on megaupload.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=D7TFDAOC

I really like how this system is laid out. The spreadsheet is unfinished but it looks pretty good so far. I think this should be the base for how we run the system. The points are easy to follow.

[DavePSU]

Looks good to me too. Definitely has the potential.

[Smoke316]

yea i like the pt system..the more we can simplify it the better. the Best thing is to have all 32 peeps having a full grasp of the system. WIth this system actually everyone could almost do there own up keeping. July i assume you have every team on an excel sheet. So you can basically give everyone there initial team and they update it as they add and subtract players, so they know where they stand. We could submit then to the commish and he could just quickly look over them to make sure they are legit and no one is over the cap. Itll be less work for him, or he can just keep track of it himself.

[July 4 1776]

Here is the spreadsheet on google docs.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=tYe4I1GUpNDDmTmXMPADd5Q

Here is the spreadsheet on megaupload.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=D7TFDAOC

I really like how this system is laid out. The spreadsheet is unfinished but it looks pretty good so far. I think this should be the base for how we run the system. The points are easy to follow.

It isnt finished but I was doing it for another league. I did everything you see in 2 hours. Another 3 hours and I can have that finished. I stopped because the other league I was in wanted to go WAY simplar. But if we ageree this is what we are going with, then I will finish it by weeks end

[July 4 1776]

yea i like the pt system..the more we can simplify it the better. the Best thing is to have all 32 peeps having a full grasp of the system. WIth this system actually everyone could almost do there own up keeping. July i assume you have every team on an excel sheet. So you can basically give everyone there initial team and they update it as they add and subtract players, so they know where they stand. We could submit then to the commish and he could just quickly look over them to make sure they are legit and no one is over the cap. Itll be less work for him, or he can just keep track of it himself.

Thats the beauty of excel. Player movement is a copy and paste lol. Even the cap changes itself becuase the points arent added up by me, but is a formula. All the commish or whoever implements this would have to do is cut and paste. And I dont personally have all the teams individually saved, but I the madden website does, I edited and thats what I have used

If we do go with this system we have to make sure rookies and free agents have a mandatory three year contract, so people dont just spend 50 points on vick this season and then drop him next. If people over spend in this, it will hurt them.

What I need help with is how to add points to every team every season. Do we add 1 point to every player or only to the starters? Im thinking maybe the top 25 players you add a point to every season, that way you are making a team build backups and actually create depth( Patriots), or spend in free agency and consistently lack dept (Redskins).

Again we can easily interchange points for ratings out with points for salary.
.05-1 mil-1points
1-1.5 mil-2points

and so on

[Smoke316]

Thats the beauty of excel. Player movement is a copy and paste lol. Even the cap changes itself becuase the points arent added up by me, but is a formula. All the commish or whoever implements this would have to do is cut and paste. And I dont personally have all the teams individually saved, but I the madden website does, I edited and thats what I have used

If we do go with this system we have to make sure rookies and free agents have a mandatory three year contract, so people dont just spend 50 points on vick this season and then drop him next. If people over spend in this, it will hurt them.

What I need help with is how to add points to every team every season. Do we add 1 point to every player or only to the starters? Im thinking maybe the top 25 players you add a point to every season, that way you are making a team build backups and actually create depth( Patriots), or spend in free agency and consistently lack dept (Redskins).

Again we can easily interchange points for ratings out with points for salary.
.05-1 mil-1points
1-1.5 mil-2points

and so on

This def has some real potential. It seems simple enough for everyone to understand and manage. Yes we still have to figure out the RFA's i say we just make it a 2 or 3 yr thing. Are we still going to have to drop a certain amount of players? What if i want to keep all my top 7 players, is there a way i can just take a huge cap hit? Or is it better to make things interesting and make it mandatory to drop people?

[July 4 1776]

This def has some real potential. It seems simple enough for everyone to understand and manage. Yes we still have to figure out the RFA's i say we just make it a 2 or 3 yr thing. Are we still going to have to drop a certain amount of players? What if i want to keep all my top 7 players, is there a way i can just take a huge cap hit? Or is it better to make things interesting and make it mandatory to drop people?

Well wont taking a huge cap hit make things interesting? If a team doesnt want to build by season 3 that team will be the lions. They will have to cut talent and sign players no one else is bidding on.
But I can see where your coming from. It would only add 21 points to the top 7 players, and it may be to easy to keep them. I think together this is moving in a right direction. If you, me ,c dawg, and david (and anyone else debating this that i missed) all agree that this is the base that we will move forward on for what we are doing I can go ahead and continue doing the teams. Ill do all the work to get it to the base as we keep ironing out flaws in this system if this is agreed upon.

Do any of you guys have aim or msn, i feel like if we could all talk to each other maybe later tonight or tommorow we can get this work out some issues

[DavePSU]

One of the things I don't like is the "adding" points on to players at the end of a season. I think that's a little much. I think it should depend on whether they move up or not, ratings-wise. I mean, a guy who goes from 84 to 87 shouldn't cost more against the cap. It's not like contracts increase due to performance in real life. I think it should just all be reset at the end of each season depending on the new overall. So if a guy goes from 89 to 90 in overall, he should count against the cap like a 90+ instead of an 80+.

[C Dawg504]

One of the things I don't like is the "adding" points on to players at the end of a season. I think that's a little much. I think it should depend on whether they move up or not, ratings-wise. I mean, a guy who goes from 84 to 87 shouldn't cost more against the cap. It's not like contracts increase due to performance in real life. I think it should just all be reset at the end of each season depending on the new overall. So if a guy goes from 89 to 90 in overall, he should count against the cap like a 90+ instead of an 80+.

I agree with Dave. If we were to increase everyone players every year we would also have to increase the salary cap. I think the main thing that we need to figure out is how to handle player contracts. For instance, are we going to be able to put a Franchise tag on certain players. Also, there are some players that will likely always stay with the same team.

[DavePSU]

Increasing everyone to increase them just seems like an added step that isn't needed.

If everything is just reset at the end of every year depending on increase/decrease of OVR Rating, things stay a lot more simple.

As for Salary Cap. I don't think it should raise or lower. I think it should stay the same. That way a team that ends up with 10-12 90+ovrall players can't afford to keep them all simply because of a salary increase. In real life, a team would never be able to do that in the free agent era.

[Smoke316]

Aim is Smoke316 hit me up whenever its connected thru my bberry. I could see a franchise tag if we have to drop players. That would basically b the cap hit a team is taking maybe a third more than the player initially costs? I like where this is going though I like the idea of everyone having their own personal cap excel sheet to use. Let's try and iron out the kinks thi week n get something concrete to pasta n the rest of the league.

[C Dawg504]

My AIM is ccbrink45. I am always available because messages get delivered to my Blackberry. Are we going to be bidding on players during the FA period with the point system?

[July 4 1776]

Increasing everyone to increase them just seems like an added step that isn't needed.

If everything is just reset at the end of every year depending on increase/decrease of OVR Rating, things stay a lot more simple.

As for Salary Cap. I don't think it should raise or lower. I think it should stay the same. That way a team that ends up with 10-12 90+ovrall players can't afford to keep them all simply because of a salary increase. In real life, a team would never be able to do that in the free agent era.

I like it, just re count every year, the draft choice's will add mandatory points every year. How do we ensure Movement though? Maybe force 1 or 2 top ten drops a season?

[Radie420]

Hey guys... not in the franchise, but I been following quite a few leagues systems for this sort of thing.

I am not in anyway claiming to be the definitive word on this, but I have studied A LOT of these plans. I even had 2 buddies (one is a tax accountant and the other is an architectural engineer that designs warehouse stores... in other words, guys that are sickly good with math) go over some of the plans...

Basically a trend we saw in virtually all cap systems is inflation. It is impossible to predict and really throws a wrench in things. Any sort of bidding process will dive the price up and you cant set the cap after teams sign like you can when initially setting up the cap... just ask yourself these questions.. what is the cap in year 2? what is the cap in year 4?

Contracts... good luck! Someone, presumably Pasta (being the commish) is going to have to keep an updated spreadsheet of EVERY player and keep it updated (even with formulas, this is a monumental task).

Someone mentioned "trial & error" and I think he is spot on.

With that said, I did want to share the system that we are using... maybe it will help... maybe it wont. whatever... check it out on our "VNFL RULES" thread...

http://pastapadre.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=56

Good luck guys! These 32 team Dynasties are work, but they should be very rewarding.

[July 4 1776]

All in all this is aggravating as crap. If this wasnt an issue we would all be focusing on how to make our team better not how to get a system to make your team better

[Radie420]

All in all this is aggravating as crap. If this wasnt an issue we would all be focusing on how to make our team better not how to get a system to make your team better

Agreed but let's not act too spoiled... something us gamers (myself certainly included) do quite often...

Just imagine the issues of getting a 32 team Dynasty to work. Much like NCAA's TeamBuilder this is a new idea that is going to be implemented over several years... improving with each year.

I follow the Inside EA Sports Blog and I genuinely believe the Devs when they say it was just too hard or time consuming of a task. I fully expect it to be a non issue next year.... until then we are just going to have to deal with what we got.

[Smoke316]

This may honestly be the easiest way to handle Free Agency. Let me know what you guys think of it. Credit to TJ over at OS.


Offseason Free Agency

At the end of each season, each team will be required to release players according to the following:

1 90+ overall rated player
2 80-89 overall rated players
4 70-79 overall rated players

In the event a team does not have any 90+ rated players, that team will then release an additional 80-89 overall rated player.

At that point, we will conduct a 7 round free agent draft. The free agent draft order will mimic the NFL Draft order of that same season, but with a twist. We'll be doing the free agency draft snake style. Again, if you've done Fantasy Football, you'll know how this goes.

[DavePSU]

This may honestly be the easiest way to handle Free Agency. Let me know what you guys think of it. Credit to TJ over at OS.


Offseason Free Agency

At the end of each season, each team will be required to release players according to the following:

1 90+ overall rated player
2 80-89 overall rated players
4 70-79 overall rated players

In the event a team does not have any 90+ rated players, that team will then release an additional 80-89 overall rated player.

At that point, we will conduct a 7 round free agent draft. The free agent draft order will mimic the NFL Draft order of that same season, but with a twist. We'll be doing the free agency draft snake style. Again, if you've done Fantasy Football, you'll know how this goes.

I'm 100% against this type of system because it's completely illogical. Why would the Eagles release either McNabb/Peters/Andrews/Samuel/Cole when 80% of them were just signed to long-term contracts and the other still has 4-5 years on his contract.

It would never happen.

[Smoke316]

I'm 100% against this type of system because it's completely illogical. Why would the Eagles release either McNabb/Peters/Andrews/Samuel/Cole when 80% of them were just signed to long-term contracts and the other still has 4-5 years on his contract.

It would never happen.

Good Pt..dont kill the messenger though lol. I see what your saying Dave. Ill play devils advocate a lil here. What if i say teams that dont release say a 90+ player cant pick up a 90+ player in FA? What you think of that?

Or say you lower the scale by 10 pts. So instead of having to drop one 90+ player, you leave those and start from 80+, and go down from there?

[DavePSU]

Good Pt..dont kill the messenger though lol. I see what your saying Dave. Ill play devils advocate a lil here. What if i say teams that dont release say a 90+ player cant pick up a 90+ player in FA? What you think of that?

Or say you lower the scale by 10 pts. So instead of having to drop one 90+ player, you leave those and start from 80+, and go down from there?

That's the same type of system, lol. It's just lowered.

The only proper way to do this is some sort of salary system. A lot of teams, like the Eagles, try to grow talent while bringing in key contributors every year. We may lose a key guy every season, but it's usually because the team has drafted someone who has shown they can step in and pick up production...

IE: Westbrook > Staley, Brown/Sheppard > Vincent/Taylor

But that type of franchise isn't possible this way because we're being forced to potentially cut one of our core guys based on rating alone.

Without an actual salary system, whether it's a bidding system or point system (like July's), I don't see how our franchise can be anywhere close to realistic.

[Smoke316]

That's the same type of system, lol. It's just lowered.

The only proper way to do this is some sort of salary system. A lot of teams, like the Eagles, try to grow talent while bringing in key contributors every year. We may lose a key guy every season, but it's usually because the team has drafted someone who has shown they can step in and pick up production...

IE: Westbrook > Staley, Brown/Sheppard > Vincent/Taylor

But that type of franchise isn't possible this way because we're being forced to potentially cut one of our core guys based on rating alone.

Without an actual salary system, whether it's a bidding system or point system (like July's), I don't see how our franchise can be anywhere close to realistic.


Right..im also worried about the upkeep of it all. Who is going to keep track of 1696 nfl contracts to make sure its legit? I figured a system like this would just make it simple. Im running a league with a few of my boys as well as were trying to figure out the same thing. In the beginning i said i would handle everything no problem.but looking at it it does take a lot of work. if someone is dedicated to keep up with every teams salary cap then im all for the cap system. I just want the franchise to fail because of all the leg work invovled. I really want to take this league past 5 seasons. People say it cant be done with 32 users, i say why not lol

[DavePSU]

Right..im also worried about the upkeep of it all. Who is going to keep track of 1696 nfl contracts to make sure its legit? I figured a system like this would just make it simple. Im running a league with a few of my boys as well as were trying to figure out the same thing. In the beginning i said i would handle everything no problem.but looking at it it does take a lot of work. if someone is dedicated to keep up with every teams salary cap then im all for the cap system.

If everyone manages there own excel sheet, they should submit it to Pasta at the end of every year with current contract lengths and the start of every season with current contract lengths.

That way you know who has how many years left, etc. Or we can post it on the forum in our team specific sections and have editing abilities removed so that only Pasta can update the contract lengths left when a change is made (this would only happen every off-season or when a FA/Trade is made).

[Smoke316]

If everyone manages there own excel sheet, they should submit it to Pasta at the end of every year with current contract lengths and the start of every season with current contract lengths.

That way you know who has how many years left, etc. Or we can post it on the forum in our team specific sections and have editing abilities removed so that only Pasta can update the contract lengths left when a change is made (this would only happen every off-season or when a FA/Trade is made).

i actually forgot i mentioned that a few days ago to July. Right if everyone takes a lil ownership of their team then it can work.

[WWOFTBBNR]

Honestly, I gotta go with July 4th on this one - the fact that we have to create our own free agency system (something even the NFL didn't have until the late 80s/early 90s) is extremely daunting. For lack of a better word, it's gonna turn into a clusterfuck. Even if there is an Excel based system, it has to be simple enough to use for (and I mean no offense to anyone) the biggest idiot to understand. Making it too difficult will only alienate some owners.

Also, I'd like to draw a parallell between the free agency/salary cap discussion and the trades. At this point, the biggest argument against one free agency system or another is it's "realism value."
For instance, above DavePSU makes a great point about a team (the Eagles) not releasing a 90s rated player. Of course the Eagles aren't going to release Westbrook, McNabb, Cole, etc. On the same token, there isn't much chance they're going to trade a guy like Westbrook, Samuels, Cole, etc, regarless of the offer. So far I've seen several trades featuring franchise and star players. I've seen owners offering multiple star players for trade - in fact I saw one guy offer EVERYONE on his team except 5 guys. If that kind of thing is going on, then why even bother with realism in free agency? If teams are going to trade away a guy who was just signed for big money, or a guy who has played for one team and dominated a system (like Westbrook) for a random player who is good in Madden, it basically destroys the integrity of the league.

Now this is just my two cents, and there's a good chance I'm in the minority. I just see a striking difference between the discussion here, and the discussion in the Trades topic where people are putting their whole team on the block. If we're going to be playing realistically, I think it should apply to everything.

[JRC865]

Honestly, I gotta go with July 4th on this one - the fact that we have to create our own free agency system (something even the NFL didn't have until the late 80s/early 90s) is extremely daunting. For lack of a better word, it's gonna turn into a clusterfuck. Even if there is an Excel based system, it has to be simple enough to use for (and I mean no offense to anyone) the biggest idiot to understand. Making it too difficult will only alienate some owners.

Also, I'd like to draw a parallell between the free agency/salary cap discussion and the trades. At this point, the biggest argument against one free agency system or another is it's "realism value."
For instance, above DavePSU makes a great point about a team (the Eagles) not releasing a 90s rated player. Of course the Eagles aren't going to release Westbrook, McNabb, Cole, etc. On the same token, there isn't much chance they're going to trade a guy like Westbrook, Samuels, Cole, etc, regarless of the offer. So far I've seen several trades featuring franchise and star players. I've seen owners offering multiple star players for trade - in fact I saw one guy offer EVERYONE on his team except 5 guys. If that kind of thing is going on, then why even bother with realism in free agency? If teams are going to trade away a guy who was just signed for big money, or a guy who has played for one team and dominated a system (like Westbrook) for a random player who is good in Madden, it basically destroys the integrity of the league.

Now this is just my two cents, and there's a good chance I'm in the minority. I just see a striking difference between the discussion here, and the discussion in the Trades topic where people are putting their whole team on the block. If we're going to be playing realistically, I think it should apply to everything.

Trading is different though. Your acting like people are just giving away players. When you trade you expect equal or better in return, but with free agency you just lose the player.

LOL @ destroying the integrity of the league. This is Madden, it is not going to resemble everything in the NFL. Your not going to have guys who have to fit into a system.

I do agree however about making this as simple as possible.

[WWOFTBBNR]

Unless I'm confused, isn't the purpose of a 32 team league, and Madden in general to closely resemble an NFL season? If not, why do they even spend time on ratings or rosters?

As far as trades, I saw one guy literally offer his whole team. That is ridiculous. I'd go as far as to guarantee that NONE of the trade proposed/made so far would even be approved by the computer.

[DavePSU]

Honestly, I gotta go with July 4th on this one - the fact that we have to create our own free agency system (something even the NFL didn't have until the late 80s/early 90s) is extremely daunting. For lack of a better word, it's gonna turn into a clusterfuck. Even if there is an Excel based system, it has to be simple enough to use for (and I mean no offense to anyone) the biggest idiot to understand. Making it too difficult will only alienate some owners.

Also, I'd like to draw a parallell between the free agency/salary cap discussion and the trades. At this point, the biggest argument against one free agency system or another is it's "realism value."
For instance, above DavePSU makes a great point about a team (the Eagles) not releasing a 90s rated player. Of course the Eagles aren't going to release Westbrook, McNabb, Cole, etc. On the same token, there isn't much chance they're going to trade a guy like Westbrook, Samuels, Cole, etc, regarless of the offer. So far I've seen several trades featuring franchise and star players. I've seen owners offering multiple star players for trade - in fact I saw one guy offer EVERYONE on his team except 5 guys. If that kind of thing is going on, then why even bother with realism in free agency? If teams are going to trade away a guy who was just signed for big money, or a guy who has played for one team and dominated a system (like Westbrook) for a random player who is good in Madden, it basically destroys the integrity of the league.

Now this is just my two cents, and there's a good chance I'm in the minority. I just see a striking difference between the discussion here, and the discussion in the Trades topic where people are putting their whole team on the block. If we're going to be playing realistically, I think it should apply to everything.

This is why we're not real life owners or GMs. However, in Madden, we're given the ability to make the decision to trade a big player for another big player. Just because Lurie/Banner wouldn't trade Westbrook in real life as the owners, doesn't mean I wouldn't trade Westbrook in real life if I was the Owner.

Unless I'm confused, isn't the purpose of a 32 team league, and Madden in general to closely resemble an NFL season? If not, why do they even spend time on ratings or rosters?

As far as trades, I saw one guy literally offer his whole team. That is ridiculous. I'd go as far as to guarantee that NONE of the trade proposed/made so far would even be approved by the computer.

I traded Westbrook for Clay Matthews, AJ Hawk, and a First Round Pick in Madden 10. So, I'd say the computer would approve of the deal I made with the Ravens.

[B_Wigglez]

I traded Westbrook for Clay Matthews, AJ Hawk, and a First Round Pick in Madden 10.

Wait you can trade between 3 teams in this years madden???

[WWOFTBBNR]

Wait you can trade between 3 teams in this years madden???

Hawk and Matthews both play for the Packers...

Also, that is a huge rip-off trade for the Pack, you took their 2 young defensive stars and a 1st round pick for a RB, a position they are set at. Obviously the trade logic is bunk in the offline game as well, so I retract my previous statement.

Still, I didn't realize this league was going to turn into this before it even started.

[B_Wigglez]

Hawk and Matthews both play for the Packers...

Also, that is a huge rip-off trade for the Pack, you took their 2 young defensive stars and a 1st round pick for a RB, a position they are set at. Obviously the trade logic is bunk in the offline game as well, so I retract my previous statement.

Still, I didn't realize this league was going to turn into this before it even started.

Thanks I just realized that I got Matthews and Cushing mixed up.. Gotta lay off the sticky icky..

[DavePSU]

Hawk and Matthews both play for the Packers...

Also, that is a huge rip-off trade for the Pack, you took their 2 young defensive stars and a 1st round pick for a RB, a position they are set at. Obviously the trade logic is bunk in the offline game as well, so I retract my previous statement.

Still, I didn't realize this league was going to turn into this before it even started.

Turn out like what? Trading one franchise player for another franchise player? What the hell is honestly wrong with that? What's the point of even playing the game if all we're going to do is basically "sim" the league?

It sounds like the only way you want to play is if everything is 100% like it would be in real life. The only way to do that is for you to make some smart investments and buy a team, because Madden isn't real life.

If I want to start LeSean McCoy, why the hell should I be forced to keep a 94 OVR Westbrook on the bench? What kind of sense does that make? Do you think if the Eagles chose to start McCoy as their franchise back they wouldn't try to move Westbrook? You're crazy.

[WWOFTBBNR]

I didn't say I want to play 100% like in real life. I said I think it's ridiculous that people are offering up their whole team and making outlandish trades. Some guy said the entire Seahawks were on the block. Another guy offered all the Bengals except 5. If you think this is alright, that's your perogative, but I think it's pretty weak. I play these games to simulate an NFL season (which I didn't realize was a bad thing, but apparently some people here would rather me buy a team than spend $60).

To answer your question - if the Eagles were going to make McCoy their back, they wouldn't trade Westbrook. Not before McCoy has stepped on the field, no chance. The Vikings still have Chester Taylor, who isn't near as good as Westbrook. They didn't "try t move him" when they drafted AD because they aren't idiots. Nor would the Packers accept a trade that ships their best young linebacker, a top rookie linebacker, and a 1st round draft pick away for a running back when they have Ryan Grant, Deshawn Wynn and Brandon Jackson. It makes ZERO sense.

Seriously though, I don't really care, you can do whatever you want. I just think judging from your posts you don't have a very good idea how running a team really works.

[DavePSU]

I didn't say I want to play 100% like in real life. I said I think it's ridiculous that people are offering up their whole team and making outlandish trades. Some guy said the entire Seahawks were on the block. Another guy offered all the Bengals except 5. If you think this is alright, that's your perogative, but I think it's pretty weak. I play these games to simulate an NFL season (which I didn't realize was a bad thing, but apparently some people here would rather me buy a team than spend $60).

To answer your question - if the Eagles were going to make McCoy their back, they wouldn't trade Westbrook. Not before McCoy has stepped on the field, no chance. The Vikings still have Chester Taylor, who isn't near as good as Westbrook. They didn't "try t move him" when they drafted AD because they aren't idiots. Nor would the Packers accept a trade that ships their best young linebacker, a top rookie linebacker, and a 1st round draft pick away for a running back when they have Ryan Grant, Deshawn Wynn and Brandon Jackson. It makes ZERO sense.

Seriously though, I don't really care, you can do whatever you want. I just think judging from your posts you don't have a very good idea how running a team really works.

I've had Madden 10 since Wednesday, lol. I've PLAYED with McCoy. I KNOW he's awesome in the game and plays JUST LIKE Westbrook in Madden 10.

That's the difference. McCoy HAS stepped onto the field for me and I know EXACTLY how effective he is in Madden. If his catch/awareness would higher, he'd be an exact replica of Westbrook, lol.

What other insurance do I need to know that he IS going to be my franchise running back that I'd like to build up and dominate with throughout the seasons we play within the league?

I don't have a very good idea on how to run a team? My team now has a franchise linebacker that is 26 years old and still retains a player that can be a franchise HB in McCoy (especially in Madden).

How is that not running a team very well? How many other teams have a franchise player at every single position that they know can perform at a high level in Madden? A handful? Lol.

My team just went from having a HUGE glaring weakness at LB, to not having a real need for concern ANYWHERE.

[DavePSU]

Maybe I'm lost in translation here, but I thought the point of this, outside of having fun, was to build our team to be in the best position to win from our own perspectives.

Was I wrong?

[BonesMahoney]

I don't care who trades who honestly. In the NFL there are very few players that a team wouldn't trade no matter what.

As for Free Agency, whatever is realistic and simple(if possible..) is cool with me.

[WWOFTBBNR]

Maybe I'm lost in translation here, but I thought the point of this, outside of having fun, was to build our team to be in the best position to win from our own perspectives.

Was I wrong?

No, you're right.

Obviously we disagree on some aspects of this, and we both feel strongly about it, so arguing is fruitless.

[pastapadre]

FYI. Ian confirmed tonight that Vick has been created, but he won't be in a roster update until he is officially signed by a team.

[DavePSU]

FYI. Ian confirmed tonight that Vick has been created, but he won't be in a roster update until he is officially signed by a team.

Which means that no matter what, Vick will not be available in this league.

Could you imagine how bad he would be to begin with? How can you legitimately rate a guy who has been in prison for 2 years? He's have to be sub-70 with a sub-70 accuracy. It would almost not even be worth signing him (much like in real life).

[Smoke316]

Well i guess the Eagles handled that Vick problem huh ? lol

[DavePSU]

LOL Now I either have a crazy trade bait option or I can use him as my Wildcat QB, LOL

[C Dawg504]

I think we need to start thinking about this again since the season is coming to an end and the playoffs shouldn't take that long to get done.

[AzureEffect]

Yeah...because Pasta I'm not sure if you know but everybody has to drop 7 players going into the Draft or the CPU will automatically cut them to get the rosters to 55

[MassMovement]

to bad there isnt no free agency

[pastapadre]

Well it may be best just to keep it simple, which was my initial idea. Its not perfect certainly but would be easiest to get through. It would be something like this:

Each team must drop 10 players. 1 85+ rate, 3 75-89, 4 65-79, 2 others. (just an example I havent thought this through completely). Then we would have a FA draft but not just based on record. That wouldn't be fair for the worst team to get the #1 pick in both. But more like a lottery, kinda how we did free agency at the start. Worst teams have a better chance but it would end up mixed.

[DEUCE]

Well it may be best just to keep it simple, which was my initial idea. Its not perfect certainly but would be easiest to get through. It would be something like this:

Each team must drop 10 players. 1 85+ rate, 3 75-89, 4 65-79, 2 others. (just an example I havent thought this through completely). Then we would have a FA draft but not just based on record. That wouldn't be fair for the worst team to get the #1 pick in both. But more like a lottery, kinda how we did free agency at the start. Worst teams have a better chance but it would end up mixed.

Sounds good to me, since I don't have a number 1 to work with this year lol

[Terrorblaze]

How about we do it a la the NFL expansion draft?

Every team protects x number of players we have a round then each team can protect x amount more then we have 2 or 3 more rounds.

To make it go quick everyone has a day or 2 to look over the available players then PM Pasta the guys they want in order (ex. If I pick 5th I send pasta a list of 5 guys if I pick 20th I send Pasta a list of 20 guys etc.)

[dmcnabb5]

How about we do it a la the NFL expansion draft?

Every team protects x number of players we have a round then each team can protect x amount more then we have 2 or 3 more rounds.

To make it go quick everyone has a day or 2 to look over the available players then PM Pasta the guys they want in order (ex. If I pick 5th I send pasta a list of 5 guys if I pick 20th I send Pasta a list of 20 guys etc.)

man i love this idea right here

[ShopCartRicky]

How about we do it a la the NFL expansion draft?

Every team protects x number of players we have a round then each team can protect x amount more then we have 2 or 3 more rounds.

To make it go quick everyone has a day or 2 to look over the available players then PM Pasta the guys they want in order (ex. If I pick 5th I send pasta a list of 5 guys if I pick 20th I send Pasta a list of 20 guys etc.)

^ Best Idea

[Michael1807]

How about we do it a la the NFL expansion draft?

Every team protects x number of players we have a round then each team can protect x amount more then we have 2 or 3 more rounds.

To make it go quick everyone has a day or 2 to look over the available players then PM Pasta the guys they want in order (ex. If I pick 5th I send pasta a list of 5 guys if I pick 20th I send Pasta a list of 20 guys etc.)

Love the idea

[C Dawg504]

So with the expansion thing we are basically choosing from the entire pool of nfl players, except for the ones we choose to protect?

[HittinAgenda]

I like the ideas that have been proposed here and that expansion draft could work very well depending on the constraints you use. I think you're better off determining an initial pool of players (rather than just the whole team) from which you can then protect a certain number of players. If you leave selecting eligible free agents too open ended, then you could end up with a list of undesirable players or players that just don't fill many needs.

If you guys decide to go with a complicated free agency system with a pseudo-salary cap, check this out (http://board.spawn.com/forums/showpost.php?p=10259821&postcount=3).