RFA related question..

[Jimplication]

I am in the process of starting a Cardinals career, and am at the re-signing stage of the off-season.

Reggie Wells is a 25 year old left guard (LG) that is a restricted free agent. He is young (25), and has the potential to be a decent player as he gets older. I'd like to keep him on the team, but am a little uncertain about qualifying offers..

I am only able to offer a 1 year deal worth 710k, 1.55 M, or 2.07 M, with no bonus.

He is a 64-83 OVR rated player, and while I am not sure he is worth 1.55 M a year, I fear 710k may not be enough to keep him.

If I offer 710k and someone bids higher, am I then able to match or offer a better deal?

It's tough to get perspective on finances initially, and there are a few guys I'd rather overpay than lose, but I don't want to overpay if I can just offer low and match/raise competing offers later.

[Jimplication]

After consulting the resources in game, my question is answered..

If other teams propose an "open offer" I can match, and keep the player as a result of the "right of first refusal." I guess a minimum bid is ideal then, especially if interested in offering a multi-year deal.

I'm learning a lot about the NFL in general just through playing Head Coach.

[philliesphan026]

Plus, you get one of the team's draft picks if they DO get the free agent.

[jdros13]

...and the value of the draft pick depends on how much the qualifying offer was for.

[Jimplication]

Well, on March 3rd I got an email saying Reggie had signed with another team.. I never saw any indication or option to match his deal..

He is no longer on my team, and I have a literal hole at LG now.

Odd, and a bit disappointing.

EDIT: On the player roster screen, he is still listed on my team, but I can't offer him a deal.. I'm thoroughly confused..

[Seahawk76]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jimplication

Well, on March 3rd I got an email saying Reggie had signed with another team.. I never saw any indication or option to match his deal.. He is no longer on my team, and I have a literal hole at LG now. Odd, and a bit disappointing. EDIT: On the player roster screen, he is still listed on my team, but I can't offer him a deal.. I'm thoroughly confused..

He's signed a contract with another team but is still on your team because you'll have the opportunity to match it. You probably can't make the offer until a specified date. At least that's the way I think it works.

[Jimplication]

Quote: Originally Posted by Seahawk76

He's signed a contract with another team but is still on your team because you'll have the opportunity to match it. You probably can't make the offer until a specified date. At least that's the way I think it works.

I suspect you're right, thanks.

One of the loading screens mentions "27 Days to matching RFA period" so I suspect I will have my chance to bid on him, as you said.

I was a bit concerned, as my LG position was terribly thin. I signed two centers to fill guard spots, but could certainly use another capable body there to protect a young offense.

Thanks for the reply. It's impressive how much I am learning about the game through playing Head Coach.