Franchise Tricks from TheElitist
To win games early it is wise to play them yourself but for this scenario we will simulate the games to give that general manager/coach feeling. At the end of the season, because 9 times out of 10 the bills won’t make the playoffs that first year, resign only the players worth keeping. Try to stay as young as possible because experience doesn’t matter in the game and players always get better until they start reaching 8 years pro. The offseason is the most critical point. Dump the higher paid players that aren’t any good and get as many draft picks as possible. Also look through the free agent market for high rated veterans because they will come cheaper than a younger top rated player and if you make the right trades you can get those high quality youngsters for pretty cheap. At this point remember not to worry about roster breakdown so much. There are position changes that can make your team better without even having to sign the higher rated players. For example, cornerbacks become higher rated when moved to free safety, offensive tackles become better guards, tight ends become better fullbacks, faster running backs can be changed to wide receiver, fast quarterbacks can be changed to running back and of course the aforementioned outside linebacker switch. Some players to look for trading or signing are Bryan Orakpo, Tamba Hali, Mike Wallace, Kenny Britt, Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles. These players, although young, either become very good very fast or can be moved to increase their 80s rating to a 90s rating.
Drafting become crucial too. Get the best rated player you possibly can for the position you need the most. The Bills usually require a quarterback, offensive linemen or defensive linemen. When signing players offensive linemen for some reason require a lot of attention wanting millions more than they are worth. Sadly, you have to give it to them because a team with a bad offensive line usually places last in the standings. Find the quarterback that fits your style. My Bills were a three-headed monster of running power so I needed a quarterback that could scramble but also have a powerful arm to get ahead of the defenders who would cheat up to stop the run. I personally would try to trade for a Matt Shaub or Aaron Rodgers type quarterback who could do all these things, and it helps they are young and will further develop. Also look for big receivers that are 6 foot 3 inches or taller that have speed. Calvin Johnson Jr. is a player that fits this description. You should always have at least two running backs. One that can be used for every down and a speed demon that can catch passes out of the backfield on third down.
Sadly this process will take a couple seasons before you will be Super Bowl bound. Luckily this will allow for you to get better coaches and better stadium upgrades that will help your team improve faster and stay healthy. After the second season recently retired players will become coaches. For example the legendary T.O. (Terrell Owens) will become available to coach adding bonuses to your wide receiving core. Other former players like linebacker Mike Vrabel and wide receiver Derrick Mason can be hired and give ratings boosts to your teams that no other coach can. If you are lucky you will get a coach like Bill Belichick or Jeff Fisher that can add even better boosts (or in some cases film the other teams practices. . . just kidding).
If you follow these simple rules you will have a super bowl dynasty in no time. Just watch out for those pesky injuries and make sure you have some depth to your team. If your all-star quarterback drops with an ACL tear then make sure you have someone who can competently pass it or consider yourself done.
These rules will help you become the best general manager imaginable. And if the team isn’t making any money remember Toronto and Los Angeles are looking for franchises and it only costs hundreds of millions to move the franchise. What does it matter? It’s not like the money is real right?