07-29-2022, 03:43 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-02-2022, 07:28 AM by Crunk. Edited 1 time in total.)
Raphael is heading to free agency. With his fourth season in the ISFL complete, his career is coming to a crossroads. Orange County has made the playoffs twice in the four seasons of Raphael’s tenure, the very first season even making it all the way to the Ultimus Championship where they held a pretty large lead before a massive collapse happened. The run was surprising, but a ton of fun. The whole locker room was amped for the games, seemingly winning games they were not supposed to on a run all the way to the second seed in the ASFC, and ultimately losing in devastating fashion in the last game of the season.
Slowly the winds of change crept in. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it was just different. The team started to feel different as we experienced management and player turnover. Now, it isn’t like we got new blood in the positions of power, they were well known faces with a decent amount of experience, but it was different.
Seemingly cursed since that Ultimus loss, it seems like wins have been fluky, and losses expected. This season specifically seemed to harbour many 1 score losses.
Looking at statistics wise Raphael has been improving every season. This should be cause for joy, but when looking around the league at other Defensive Tackles, the comparison looks quite a lot worse. While not my primary reason, the lack of production has been concerning, especially after I seemingly went from a dedicated medium earner to attempting to max earn in a position that doesn’t need max earning to be great in.
Now, first things first - the main thing that I am looking for in a team is a friendly, active, helpful locker room that is not spammy. It’s a tough balance to strike, but I won’t hold back in saying the lack of activity and perceived lack of interest in Orange County has been trying. That was the main factor in my wanting to sign a short contract for my last one, it was getting to me and I wanted to keep my options open, but give them an opportunity to really settle in with the new management and get the team kicking. Many days I can count on one hand how many messages are sent, including mine, and it comes across to me as a very inactive place. So, to summarize my main priority is finding an active, helpful locker room. It pains me to say it, but I don’t believe I have that now, and it’s a sim league. I have the power to change that if I feel necessary, so I’m using that power.
Second most important is I need to believe that the team is competitive. If not, then why would I care about moving? I’m on a team currently that has a track record of 50% playoff berths and 25% ultimus games since I’ve been on the team. Those numbers are pretty good, and I don’t think we fall off a cliff with the status quo, and potentially keeping the theme of playoffs next season. This ties a little back in to something I mentioned earlier where I want a team that can consistently put together great teams.
Tied very closely to my second point is I want to feel like I’m having an impact with my player on the team. I’ll throw up some stats and dig into this point a little bit later, but whether it is my being joined at the hip with Leo, and him having the better build gives him the priority of stats, or the defensive strategy, I have felt Raphael has been largely invisible out there. I’m not a stat hog, if we are winning it’s better than racking up personal numbers, but it becomes an issue when we aren’t winning, and I’m not showing up on the stat sheet at all. I’m not even talking about getting sacks, tackles for loss or fumbles, there were several games this season where I didn’t even record a single tackle. Now, I’m sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for why this happens and the way the system works, or just bad sim luck, but I feel like this hasn’t been a single season thing, I’ve simply lost confidence in my current situation.
Finally we get into personal stats. I’ve gone from thinking I’d top out at around 1000 TPE - a similar level to my last player. But I’ve had support so far and a few money making opportunities and so until now I have been able to keep up a high rate of earning. I won’t say max because I haven’t been doing things like fantasy, and my cash flow situation does look a little dire, with not too much coming in constantly, but I’m keeping it in the black for now. The initial hope was to be a very good addition for whatever team I was on, to be among the best DT’s in the league, but no expectations of grandeur. With my earning change however, my performance goals have changed as well. I want to be the best DT in the league, and I don’t think there is any shred of a chance of an argument in favour for that right now. In fact, as of writing I am the second highest TPE DT in the league, and after regression I may take over the first spot and I have been producing at a much lower rate than that. Maybe I screwed up my build of not immediately going for speed rusher, but if that’s the difference I’ll have it at the start of next season most likely, and I had no guidance in it being that effective. If the trait isn’t the answer then I don’t know what the issue is, but it hasn’t been working out so far.
Looking at stats, I am lucky enough to have an exceptionally good comparison. Pat changed to a Defensive Tackle, specifically Nose Tackle after he brought his player up. Same season, same position, same archetype, similar TPE levels. If you look at last season, I’m actually ahead of him by 5 tackles. He has me beat by 2 Tackles for Loss, and we tied for sacks at 2 a piece. Pretty close stats. I also have a suspicion since he’s the GM of the team that his isn’t trying to feed his player stats as he’s more concerned about the team and picked this position to specifically fill in a hole that was needed. This is where we take some time to expand the window. Looking to Orange County’s other Defensive Tackle, Garfield Despacito III we find he finished with 12 less tackles, 1 less TFL (for 1), 3 Forced Fumbles and 1 recovers (vs a 0/0 line from yours truly), and 5 sacks versus 2. Now, you could make an argument that overall Garfield had better numbers, because aside from the tackle totals, he did. Garfield is a 335 TPE inactive interior rusher. Maybe the archetype really props him up, but my counter to that is if an archetype has that much of an impact, that’s something that 100% should be well known to anyone playing the position.
Looking towards another Interior Rusher in Chuck Roth, the perennial DTotY. 5 times in a row I believe? Now, I didn’t expect to unseat him immediately, but I did think last season I should have been in conversation. Not even close. 65 Tackles, 12 TFL, 1/1 FF/FR, 10 Sacks, and a blocked kick. Does the extra 5 speed really have this much of an impact? This is the winner of last year's best DT, but that is a huge gap in stats between the two of us, and last season I believe we were around the same tpe.
Ok enough of the past, let’s take a look at this season for stats. Currently writing before the Friday sim, so we are missing the last regular season sim: 34 Tackles, 2 TFL, 1 FF/FR, and 1 sack. I did play this last week with the Bull Rusher trait, so maybe that pumps up my numbers a bit in this last game. For now it’s looking a lot like a stagnant season, roughly the same statistically as my last season. Switching focus to Garfield, who is still our other 335 TPE inactive DT, his line is 34 Tackles, 3 TFL, 0/0 FF/FR, and 1 sack. Incredibly similar, and a 600 TPE applied difference. How does this happen? We’re on the same team, on the same line. Is it the archetype? What about Roth, you ask.
Well I think this will be the season he will be dethroned. 47 Tackles, 5 TFL, 4/2 FF/FR, and 6 sacks. These numbers don’t even put him in talks about DTotY this season in my opinion. They are still really good, but I think he slides into fourth. Phenomenal for how deep into regression he is. Staggeringly better stats than Raphael. So, we can conclude it is most likely a brutal difference from the archetype selection, yes?
Let me show you who I think wins DTotY this season, unless something catastrophic happens in the game later tonight. Christian Marciano! Remember how I said I felt like we were a good comparison by being the same almost everything? Well here is his current line: 72 Tackles, 8 TFL, 4/1 FF/FR, 9 sacks. He still has a game to improve these numbers. Crazy. I’ll give him a preemptive congratulations, just a fantastic season so far. I hope I can get Raphael producing at a better pace at some point.
Now, I tried to dig into the stats a little not to complain, but to honestly take a look at my production. Marciano gives me an excellent comparison for TPE, Season, and Archetype. Despacito III gives me a good comparison for being on the line next to me all season. I think it shows that my player is in fact capable of more, maybe it’s the not rushing to get the speed rusher trait asap, but I was under the impression it didn’t affect too much, so I was focused on maxing out other categories first. If that’s true, I’ll take it as a lesson learned, and watch out league next season!
Now the goal in the offseason is going to be weighing all of these wants, having conversations with teams, and trying to figure out the best destination for me to sign. I don’t want to be a drama queen, and worry a little bit that this article is going a fair way towards that, but I will attempt to look at each team in the league, and see if there would be a fit at all for Raphael there.
Baltimore - The hawks have 2 DT’s, an s28 at 249, and s29 at 540. Baltimore missed the playoffs this season I think - mathematically they could tie for third, but I think at writing the chances are tough. They strike me as a team on the up and up with a whole bunch of players s30+ and over 1k tpe already. I feel like my addition could be a solid piece to their D line and potentially vault them into a should make the playoffs level.
Berlin - 2 DT’s again with a s27 288, and a s36 433. I feel like Berlin has the DT1 slot in good hands for the future and I wouldn’t want to come in if it means displacing someone. If we become a pair that could work. Berlin looks like they are very much in the rebuild phase. A lot of players s30+, but most are < 1k TPE, where more building is required. They are finishing as the last place team in the league this season, so that makes sense. It would be a tough sell to come here. It looks like they have their rebuild underway and me coming in wouldn’t change the course for that. They just need time.
Chicago - Looks like only the 1 DT and that is S32 Franklin Turtle at 710 TPE. I’ve often been confused watching the stream against Chicago who was getting stats because of the last name similarity, but honestly it was Franklin. He has been putting up much better points than Raphael. It would be fun to be a Turtle, McTurtle duo. The Butchers look like a team that is in solid standing, with a mixture of older and newer players, with high TPE sprinkled throughout. Taking a look at the standings, they are the top team in the league, so that certainly makes sense. If their play style is only fitting the one DT, then they probably aren’t interested at all as Franklin is in solid shape and still seasons from regression.
Colorado - The Yeti look to be in a rough spot with not many high TPE players, and the few that they do have are in regression, or about to. They have 2 DT’s - s29 at 496, and s36 at 218. I think the plan is a lengthy rebuild, with the future likely secured with IamYeti. Until the handing of the torch however, they would probably be very happy to pick up some temporary help. Colorado is 5-10, missing the playoffs this season, and I expect they will have a few more down seasons before hitting the playoffs.
Philadelphia - they have one DT and it’s the best in the league. Fellow S33 Marciano is at 887. It would certainly be interesting playing alongside, but I want to compete. They have some regressing higher tpe folks on the team, and a good chunk of younger players who are gaining tpe for the future. Philly is in a borderline playoff spot, I think if they win tonight they are in, but I think they will improve next season.
Sarasota - 2 DTs s35 at 344 and s31 at 884. I don’t think there would be any interest in pulling me in. They have a solid primary who is still not in regression, and they have the future earning at a good pace, so not really any room to add a third to the mix. Sarasota is solidly in the playoffs. They have a ton of high TPE players, and are looking like they are in good hands for a while to come!
Yellowknife - One DT, s29 at 516 TPE. I guess this will be the second season of regression, so not a lot of track left to go, Yellowknife is definitely a team that could be looking to add a new player into their mix. They have a ton of young high earning players, so they are looking very much on the upswing. Currently at 8 and 7, fighting with Philadelphia and Baltimore for that last playoff spot, they look like a team that has a very bright future, and one looking for a DT as well, this could be a very good match.
Arizona - 3 DTs on the roster, s25 Chuck Roth at 482, JJJJJJ is s30 at 570, and s32 Toucan sam at 353. I’ll be honest, this pipe looks fairly full. I assume Roth is close to retirement, but that still leaves 2 capable players not in or barely in regression. They have a good spread of TPE, with a high average, and some players who look like they can fight regression a few seasons. I think Arizona is in a need to retool a little, where I think they can remain a borderline playoff team, but retool some of the big pieces.
Austin - 1 DT on the roster and that is s27 273. Low tpe and a few seasons into regression, this is definitely a spot that could use a big DT. They only have 1 player over 1k, their QB who enters regression shortly. They have a bunch of younger players, so they look like they are into a full swing rebuild with a bunch of second season rookies on the roster. Austin is 6-9, so tied with Orange County, but they look like they are on the upswing, and a potentially powerful team in 2-3 seasons.
Honolulu - the defending champions have run pretty solid teams ever since I left them on my first player it seems. They are a perennial playoff contender with 0 DT’s on the roster. They have a very high TPE level, might be the highest on average, and the tpe levels are sprinkled enough that I think they can sustain a competitive team for many seasons to come. That combined with the open DT slot make this a pretty interesting potential landing spot. Top spot in the conference, and I don’t really see them relinquishing that spot in the next few seasons.
New Orleans - 1 DT on the roster with s34 716 TPE Avenger. I assume they are happy to roll with one and they have a solid younger earner in place. New Orleans just misses the playoffs this season. They have a bunch of pre regression, high earning folks and look like they will be a great threat in the next few seasons. I don’t easily see much of a fit, but who knows what plans are in motion.
New York - 1 DT at s31 271. There is absolutely a need to upgrade this position. Home of the other McTurtle brother, a reunion could potentially be pretty cool. NY has one player over 1k currently, with their QB and a lot of people building quickly towards that number. They look like they are ready to break out with a few seasons of very solid teams. It looks like they got bit by the sim gods this season because last in the ASFC seems a little harsh, because they don’t look like they should be that bad.
Orange County - My current home. There is obviously a positional fit, as I’m currently occupying it. They loaded up a bit this season, and unfortunately came up low. Missing the playoffs by at least 3 games. They have a bunch of high tpe players beginning to enter regression, and honestly it looks like it will be a tough few seasons, as I don’t expect them to get much better, and they are ending this season a fair way out of playoffs. I know they just finished a rebuild, but it might be time to try again depending on who they are able to retain.
San Jose - s35 241, and s36 366. They have two young DT’s who are earning. The team is definitely building up towards moving out some of their old guard and onto the current crop. They have high earning pre regression. I think they are pretty settled with their internal DT candidates, so don’t see much fit here. Somewhat surprising to see them at 9-6, San Jose reminds me of OCO 4 seasons ago, where we got the second seed by over performing. I think they will continue to improve.
Now with all of the teams and their current rosters looked at, here’s who I think are notable standouts:
Honolulu - the best team in the league and they don’t have a DT. Not much more to say, if they can manage the cap it would be a excellent fit.
Yellowknife - Looking like a team right on the cusp and I could be that final piece that really vaults them over the top.
New York - Definitely a large want to upgrade this position, and a team that is in good shape for the future.
Baltimore - They look ready for a few solid season, and DT slot is about to regress. Adding a high TPE replacement could be a very big offseason piece.
Arizona - Could be looking to make an addition at DT1. They got Roth 5 straight seasons of DTotY hardware, so they can help make an exceptional DT. Notoriously unlucky in the play offs, they are still a solid team, and I know that I like their LR from my last few seasons with Ragnar.
Orange County - I think I’ve made my peace though this season that I’m ready to leave. I didn’t go into this player expecting to want to hit Free Agency again, but here we are. I like the people behind Orange County, and I wish them luck. It’s tough to run a team and my future just lies elsewhere.
I look forward to chatting to anyone regarding free agency. Please reach out, let’s have a talk about plans and all that. My wants are a good LR fit, a competitive team, feeling like I make a difference, and personal stats / accolades.
Slowly the winds of change crept in. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, it was just different. The team started to feel different as we experienced management and player turnover. Now, it isn’t like we got new blood in the positions of power, they were well known faces with a decent amount of experience, but it was different.
Seemingly cursed since that Ultimus loss, it seems like wins have been fluky, and losses expected. This season specifically seemed to harbour many 1 score losses.
Looking at statistics wise Raphael has been improving every season. This should be cause for joy, but when looking around the league at other Defensive Tackles, the comparison looks quite a lot worse. While not my primary reason, the lack of production has been concerning, especially after I seemingly went from a dedicated medium earner to attempting to max earn in a position that doesn’t need max earning to be great in.
Now, first things first - the main thing that I am looking for in a team is a friendly, active, helpful locker room that is not spammy. It’s a tough balance to strike, but I won’t hold back in saying the lack of activity and perceived lack of interest in Orange County has been trying. That was the main factor in my wanting to sign a short contract for my last one, it was getting to me and I wanted to keep my options open, but give them an opportunity to really settle in with the new management and get the team kicking. Many days I can count on one hand how many messages are sent, including mine, and it comes across to me as a very inactive place. So, to summarize my main priority is finding an active, helpful locker room. It pains me to say it, but I don’t believe I have that now, and it’s a sim league. I have the power to change that if I feel necessary, so I’m using that power.
Second most important is I need to believe that the team is competitive. If not, then why would I care about moving? I’m on a team currently that has a track record of 50% playoff berths and 25% ultimus games since I’ve been on the team. Those numbers are pretty good, and I don’t think we fall off a cliff with the status quo, and potentially keeping the theme of playoffs next season. This ties a little back in to something I mentioned earlier where I want a team that can consistently put together great teams.
Tied very closely to my second point is I want to feel like I’m having an impact with my player on the team. I’ll throw up some stats and dig into this point a little bit later, but whether it is my being joined at the hip with Leo, and him having the better build gives him the priority of stats, or the defensive strategy, I have felt Raphael has been largely invisible out there. I’m not a stat hog, if we are winning it’s better than racking up personal numbers, but it becomes an issue when we aren’t winning, and I’m not showing up on the stat sheet at all. I’m not even talking about getting sacks, tackles for loss or fumbles, there were several games this season where I didn’t even record a single tackle. Now, I’m sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for why this happens and the way the system works, or just bad sim luck, but I feel like this hasn’t been a single season thing, I’ve simply lost confidence in my current situation.
Finally we get into personal stats. I’ve gone from thinking I’d top out at around 1000 TPE - a similar level to my last player. But I’ve had support so far and a few money making opportunities and so until now I have been able to keep up a high rate of earning. I won’t say max because I haven’t been doing things like fantasy, and my cash flow situation does look a little dire, with not too much coming in constantly, but I’m keeping it in the black for now. The initial hope was to be a very good addition for whatever team I was on, to be among the best DT’s in the league, but no expectations of grandeur. With my earning change however, my performance goals have changed as well. I want to be the best DT in the league, and I don’t think there is any shred of a chance of an argument in favour for that right now. In fact, as of writing I am the second highest TPE DT in the league, and after regression I may take over the first spot and I have been producing at a much lower rate than that. Maybe I screwed up my build of not immediately going for speed rusher, but if that’s the difference I’ll have it at the start of next season most likely, and I had no guidance in it being that effective. If the trait isn’t the answer then I don’t know what the issue is, but it hasn’t been working out so far.
Looking at stats, I am lucky enough to have an exceptionally good comparison. Pat changed to a Defensive Tackle, specifically Nose Tackle after he brought his player up. Same season, same position, same archetype, similar TPE levels. If you look at last season, I’m actually ahead of him by 5 tackles. He has me beat by 2 Tackles for Loss, and we tied for sacks at 2 a piece. Pretty close stats. I also have a suspicion since he’s the GM of the team that his isn’t trying to feed his player stats as he’s more concerned about the team and picked this position to specifically fill in a hole that was needed. This is where we take some time to expand the window. Looking to Orange County’s other Defensive Tackle, Garfield Despacito III we find he finished with 12 less tackles, 1 less TFL (for 1), 3 Forced Fumbles and 1 recovers (vs a 0/0 line from yours truly), and 5 sacks versus 2. Now, you could make an argument that overall Garfield had better numbers, because aside from the tackle totals, he did. Garfield is a 335 TPE inactive interior rusher. Maybe the archetype really props him up, but my counter to that is if an archetype has that much of an impact, that’s something that 100% should be well known to anyone playing the position.
Looking towards another Interior Rusher in Chuck Roth, the perennial DTotY. 5 times in a row I believe? Now, I didn’t expect to unseat him immediately, but I did think last season I should have been in conversation. Not even close. 65 Tackles, 12 TFL, 1/1 FF/FR, 10 Sacks, and a blocked kick. Does the extra 5 speed really have this much of an impact? This is the winner of last year's best DT, but that is a huge gap in stats between the two of us, and last season I believe we were around the same tpe.
Ok enough of the past, let’s take a look at this season for stats. Currently writing before the Friday sim, so we are missing the last regular season sim: 34 Tackles, 2 TFL, 1 FF/FR, and 1 sack. I did play this last week with the Bull Rusher trait, so maybe that pumps up my numbers a bit in this last game. For now it’s looking a lot like a stagnant season, roughly the same statistically as my last season. Switching focus to Garfield, who is still our other 335 TPE inactive DT, his line is 34 Tackles, 3 TFL, 0/0 FF/FR, and 1 sack. Incredibly similar, and a 600 TPE applied difference. How does this happen? We’re on the same team, on the same line. Is it the archetype? What about Roth, you ask.
Well I think this will be the season he will be dethroned. 47 Tackles, 5 TFL, 4/2 FF/FR, and 6 sacks. These numbers don’t even put him in talks about DTotY this season in my opinion. They are still really good, but I think he slides into fourth. Phenomenal for how deep into regression he is. Staggeringly better stats than Raphael. So, we can conclude it is most likely a brutal difference from the archetype selection, yes?
Let me show you who I think wins DTotY this season, unless something catastrophic happens in the game later tonight. Christian Marciano! Remember how I said I felt like we were a good comparison by being the same almost everything? Well here is his current line: 72 Tackles, 8 TFL, 4/1 FF/FR, 9 sacks. He still has a game to improve these numbers. Crazy. I’ll give him a preemptive congratulations, just a fantastic season so far. I hope I can get Raphael producing at a better pace at some point.
Now, I tried to dig into the stats a little not to complain, but to honestly take a look at my production. Marciano gives me an excellent comparison for TPE, Season, and Archetype. Despacito III gives me a good comparison for being on the line next to me all season. I think it shows that my player is in fact capable of more, maybe it’s the not rushing to get the speed rusher trait asap, but I was under the impression it didn’t affect too much, so I was focused on maxing out other categories first. If that’s true, I’ll take it as a lesson learned, and watch out league next season!
Now the goal in the offseason is going to be weighing all of these wants, having conversations with teams, and trying to figure out the best destination for me to sign. I don’t want to be a drama queen, and worry a little bit that this article is going a fair way towards that, but I will attempt to look at each team in the league, and see if there would be a fit at all for Raphael there.
Baltimore - The hawks have 2 DT’s, an s28 at 249, and s29 at 540. Baltimore missed the playoffs this season I think - mathematically they could tie for third, but I think at writing the chances are tough. They strike me as a team on the up and up with a whole bunch of players s30+ and over 1k tpe already. I feel like my addition could be a solid piece to their D line and potentially vault them into a should make the playoffs level.
Berlin - 2 DT’s again with a s27 288, and a s36 433. I feel like Berlin has the DT1 slot in good hands for the future and I wouldn’t want to come in if it means displacing someone. If we become a pair that could work. Berlin looks like they are very much in the rebuild phase. A lot of players s30+, but most are < 1k TPE, where more building is required. They are finishing as the last place team in the league this season, so that makes sense. It would be a tough sell to come here. It looks like they have their rebuild underway and me coming in wouldn’t change the course for that. They just need time.
Chicago - Looks like only the 1 DT and that is S32 Franklin Turtle at 710 TPE. I’ve often been confused watching the stream against Chicago who was getting stats because of the last name similarity, but honestly it was Franklin. He has been putting up much better points than Raphael. It would be fun to be a Turtle, McTurtle duo. The Butchers look like a team that is in solid standing, with a mixture of older and newer players, with high TPE sprinkled throughout. Taking a look at the standings, they are the top team in the league, so that certainly makes sense. If their play style is only fitting the one DT, then they probably aren’t interested at all as Franklin is in solid shape and still seasons from regression.
Colorado - The Yeti look to be in a rough spot with not many high TPE players, and the few that they do have are in regression, or about to. They have 2 DT’s - s29 at 496, and s36 at 218. I think the plan is a lengthy rebuild, with the future likely secured with IamYeti. Until the handing of the torch however, they would probably be very happy to pick up some temporary help. Colorado is 5-10, missing the playoffs this season, and I expect they will have a few more down seasons before hitting the playoffs.
Philadelphia - they have one DT and it’s the best in the league. Fellow S33 Marciano is at 887. It would certainly be interesting playing alongside, but I want to compete. They have some regressing higher tpe folks on the team, and a good chunk of younger players who are gaining tpe for the future. Philly is in a borderline playoff spot, I think if they win tonight they are in, but I think they will improve next season.
Sarasota - 2 DTs s35 at 344 and s31 at 884. I don’t think there would be any interest in pulling me in. They have a solid primary who is still not in regression, and they have the future earning at a good pace, so not really any room to add a third to the mix. Sarasota is solidly in the playoffs. They have a ton of high TPE players, and are looking like they are in good hands for a while to come!
Yellowknife - One DT, s29 at 516 TPE. I guess this will be the second season of regression, so not a lot of track left to go, Yellowknife is definitely a team that could be looking to add a new player into their mix. They have a ton of young high earning players, so they are looking very much on the upswing. Currently at 8 and 7, fighting with Philadelphia and Baltimore for that last playoff spot, they look like a team that has a very bright future, and one looking for a DT as well, this could be a very good match.
Arizona - 3 DTs on the roster, s25 Chuck Roth at 482, JJJJJJ is s30 at 570, and s32 Toucan sam at 353. I’ll be honest, this pipe looks fairly full. I assume Roth is close to retirement, but that still leaves 2 capable players not in or barely in regression. They have a good spread of TPE, with a high average, and some players who look like they can fight regression a few seasons. I think Arizona is in a need to retool a little, where I think they can remain a borderline playoff team, but retool some of the big pieces.
Austin - 1 DT on the roster and that is s27 273. Low tpe and a few seasons into regression, this is definitely a spot that could use a big DT. They only have 1 player over 1k, their QB who enters regression shortly. They have a bunch of younger players, so they look like they are into a full swing rebuild with a bunch of second season rookies on the roster. Austin is 6-9, so tied with Orange County, but they look like they are on the upswing, and a potentially powerful team in 2-3 seasons.
Honolulu - the defending champions have run pretty solid teams ever since I left them on my first player it seems. They are a perennial playoff contender with 0 DT’s on the roster. They have a very high TPE level, might be the highest on average, and the tpe levels are sprinkled enough that I think they can sustain a competitive team for many seasons to come. That combined with the open DT slot make this a pretty interesting potential landing spot. Top spot in the conference, and I don’t really see them relinquishing that spot in the next few seasons.
New Orleans - 1 DT on the roster with s34 716 TPE Avenger. I assume they are happy to roll with one and they have a solid younger earner in place. New Orleans just misses the playoffs this season. They have a bunch of pre regression, high earning folks and look like they will be a great threat in the next few seasons. I don’t easily see much of a fit, but who knows what plans are in motion.
New York - 1 DT at s31 271. There is absolutely a need to upgrade this position. Home of the other McTurtle brother, a reunion could potentially be pretty cool. NY has one player over 1k currently, with their QB and a lot of people building quickly towards that number. They look like they are ready to break out with a few seasons of very solid teams. It looks like they got bit by the sim gods this season because last in the ASFC seems a little harsh, because they don’t look like they should be that bad.
Orange County - My current home. There is obviously a positional fit, as I’m currently occupying it. They loaded up a bit this season, and unfortunately came up low. Missing the playoffs by at least 3 games. They have a bunch of high tpe players beginning to enter regression, and honestly it looks like it will be a tough few seasons, as I don’t expect them to get much better, and they are ending this season a fair way out of playoffs. I know they just finished a rebuild, but it might be time to try again depending on who they are able to retain.
San Jose - s35 241, and s36 366. They have two young DT’s who are earning. The team is definitely building up towards moving out some of their old guard and onto the current crop. They have high earning pre regression. I think they are pretty settled with their internal DT candidates, so don’t see much fit here. Somewhat surprising to see them at 9-6, San Jose reminds me of OCO 4 seasons ago, where we got the second seed by over performing. I think they will continue to improve.
Now with all of the teams and their current rosters looked at, here’s who I think are notable standouts:
Honolulu - the best team in the league and they don’t have a DT. Not much more to say, if they can manage the cap it would be a excellent fit.
Yellowknife - Looking like a team right on the cusp and I could be that final piece that really vaults them over the top.
New York - Definitely a large want to upgrade this position, and a team that is in good shape for the future.
Baltimore - They look ready for a few solid season, and DT slot is about to regress. Adding a high TPE replacement could be a very big offseason piece.
Arizona - Could be looking to make an addition at DT1. They got Roth 5 straight seasons of DTotY hardware, so they can help make an exceptional DT. Notoriously unlucky in the play offs, they are still a solid team, and I know that I like their LR from my last few seasons with Ragnar.
Orange County - I think I’ve made my peace though this season that I’m ready to leave. I didn’t go into this player expecting to want to hit Free Agency again, but here we are. I like the people behind Orange County, and I wish them luck. It’s tough to run a team and my future just lies elsewhere.
I look forward to chatting to anyone regarding free agency. Please reach out, let’s have a talk about plans and all that. My wants are a good LR fit, a competitive team, feeling like I make a difference, and personal stats / accolades.
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Glad to see you still have your old team on the list, hope to see you making a return there. Enjoy your free agency.![[Image: kai71.gif]](https://sig.grumpybumpers.com/host/kai71.gif)
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