For the first time in my career, I will be entering Free Agency. I’ve been part of the league since the end of the first season and, in that time, not only have I never tested Free Agency, but I’ve always only been part of two teams, the Yellowknife Wraiths (S2-S10) and the Arizona Outlaws (S11-S23). I wasn’t certain if I would return in the S21 draft, but I was excited to get to be back for the next generation of Outlaws. My goal as GM was to leave the team in strong shape and I think the team is headed in a fantastic direction. Part of me is tempted to stick around as the team does fit a lot of what I’m looking for. However, 22 seasons is a long time to split between two teams and I’d really like to get a feel for what’s out there.
So, what am I looking for in a team?
Primary Factors
Friendly, Active Locker Room Environment – A strong and cohesive discord locker room is the main thing I’m looking for. I really enjoy being part of the Arizona LR as it’s full of great people, so if I am to sign somewhere else, I want to make sure that it’s going to be a positive experience interacting with new teammates. However, as a former GM, I’m curious to see how other teams run their locker rooms given that I’ve only been part of two. How does your team interact with one another? Do they talk about a variety of different topics or does the conversation focus purely on the league? Is there anything about your locker room that sets it apart from others? If a team can offer me something unique about their locker room, that’s going to go a long way in capturing my interest. I’m also interested in not just the culture of the locker room, but also the people in it. The league has grown a lot over the last several seasons and getting to know more people is definitely of interest to me.
Usage – How will my player be used in your offense? As a receiving back, I’m open to playing a variety of roles, whether it’s a traditional HB, slot receiver, outside receiver (as a FB), etc. In a perfect scenario, I would fill one role (as either a receiver or rusher) with the ability to back up other positions. I don’t mind playing different positions in different formations or even being part of a RBBC (which is probably ideal for a receiving back), but it’s important to know what my role will be.
Secondary Factors
Making a Difference – Another factor that is important to me is the ability to contribute to the team not just as a player, but also as a user. I’m not looking to take on a GM or co-GM role again anytime soon. I’m quite happy to just be part of the team for a change. However, the experience I have from being a GM and being in the league for so many seasons can be beneficial to the right team and I’m willing to help offer advice to teammates and even my GM / co-GM in any capacity I can. War room access isn’t a requirement, though I’m open to being part of one if the team wants my input in that area.
Offensive Line – What are the team’s plans for their O-Line? Do you have user OL? What type of bots are you purchasing? And will your bots be oriented towards rushing, passing, or something more balanced? I don’t have a specific preference in either direction, but I am interested to know how my role will align with the team’s vision for the offense and I think OL builds are a good indication of that. As a default, I expect all OL bots to be 550 TPE or better. This is not a dealbreaker if this is not expected to be the case, but I would rather know upfront if that money is required elsewhere. Alternatively, if the team is willing to spend money to upgrade 550 bots to 750 TPE, I will take consider that into consideration as well.
Competitive Window – Is your team likely to compete for an Ultimus? What kind of windows do you see yourself in? And, if not, what are your plans to help the team get there? I don’t mind a challenge, but I need to know that the team has a clear goal in place. If I join your team, what should I expect from the next few seasons?
Money – Those that know me know that money is not a priority for me. I’m perfectly happy accepting a minimum deal. However, while I haven’t tested FA in this league, I have tested it in others with a similar approach and sometimes it can be hard to make that decision. This is a much lower consideration, so just because a team offers the most $$$ doesn’t mean I will end up signing with that team; however, it can be a useful tiebreaker if two teams are very close in other areas.
Overall, I’m looking forward to my conversations with interested teams and will be free to talk on discord once Free Agent talks open up.
So, what am I looking for in a team?
Primary Factors
Friendly, Active Locker Room Environment – A strong and cohesive discord locker room is the main thing I’m looking for. I really enjoy being part of the Arizona LR as it’s full of great people, so if I am to sign somewhere else, I want to make sure that it’s going to be a positive experience interacting with new teammates. However, as a former GM, I’m curious to see how other teams run their locker rooms given that I’ve only been part of two. How does your team interact with one another? Do they talk about a variety of different topics or does the conversation focus purely on the league? Is there anything about your locker room that sets it apart from others? If a team can offer me something unique about their locker room, that’s going to go a long way in capturing my interest. I’m also interested in not just the culture of the locker room, but also the people in it. The league has grown a lot over the last several seasons and getting to know more people is definitely of interest to me.
Usage – How will my player be used in your offense? As a receiving back, I’m open to playing a variety of roles, whether it’s a traditional HB, slot receiver, outside receiver (as a FB), etc. In a perfect scenario, I would fill one role (as either a receiver or rusher) with the ability to back up other positions. I don’t mind playing different positions in different formations or even being part of a RBBC (which is probably ideal for a receiving back), but it’s important to know what my role will be.
Secondary Factors
Making a Difference – Another factor that is important to me is the ability to contribute to the team not just as a player, but also as a user. I’m not looking to take on a GM or co-GM role again anytime soon. I’m quite happy to just be part of the team for a change. However, the experience I have from being a GM and being in the league for so many seasons can be beneficial to the right team and I’m willing to help offer advice to teammates and even my GM / co-GM in any capacity I can. War room access isn’t a requirement, though I’m open to being part of one if the team wants my input in that area.
Offensive Line – What are the team’s plans for their O-Line? Do you have user OL? What type of bots are you purchasing? And will your bots be oriented towards rushing, passing, or something more balanced? I don’t have a specific preference in either direction, but I am interested to know how my role will align with the team’s vision for the offense and I think OL builds are a good indication of that. As a default, I expect all OL bots to be 550 TPE or better. This is not a dealbreaker if this is not expected to be the case, but I would rather know upfront if that money is required elsewhere. Alternatively, if the team is willing to spend money to upgrade 550 bots to 750 TPE, I will take consider that into consideration as well.
Competitive Window – Is your team likely to compete for an Ultimus? What kind of windows do you see yourself in? And, if not, what are your plans to help the team get there? I don’t mind a challenge, but I need to know that the team has a clear goal in place. If I join your team, what should I expect from the next few seasons?
Money – Those that know me know that money is not a priority for me. I’m perfectly happy accepting a minimum deal. However, while I haven’t tested FA in this league, I have tested it in others with a similar approach and sometimes it can be hard to make that decision. This is a much lower consideration, so just because a team offers the most $$$ doesn’t mean I will end up signing with that team; however, it can be a useful tiebreaker if two teams are very close in other areas.
Overall, I’m looking forward to my conversations with interested teams and will be free to talk on discord once Free Agent talks open up.
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Thanks to Jangorhino for the sig.
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