I've seen in league chat the Baltimore owner is struggling with cap issues, so maybe we can post some tips to help him out. Anyone can comment/contribute if you have something useful.
A lot of us have been there and done that, especially if you take over a neglected and/or AI run team.
* Players have to accept a contract if offered one. They can wait on a better one until the last round of free agency but they will sign with someone.
Use that to your advantage. Sure, you'll be signing old guys and fringe players but so what. The first goal should be to get out of cap **** so you can afford to pay your high draft picks and some free agents. If your team is likely to struggle regardless, go cheap for a season or two.
*Renegotiate with some players. Not every player's cost goes up with renegotiations, sometimes they can save cap room. Max the bonus at 75% so your cap number is at it's lowest possible point. You can try that with every player and if the cap cost goes up, don't actually send the offer.
*Watch whom you release. If a player is still owed a bunch of bonus money, don't cut them, and keep all your 4th round and higher draft picks. Those players get a base salary plus bonus for 4 years, 5th round and later get no bonus.
I'm probably forgetting some, and he is already pushing his draft picks forward a year. Anyone have anything to add?
