Perhaps you could have a dual rating system,
True and
Perceived OVR.
True OVR - The actual ratings of the player. These are behind the scenes and govern what the player is capable of.
Perceived OVR - This is what we see. It takes a players
True OVR and distorts it based on a number of factors. Production, confidence, coaching support, time in system, personality, you name it... basically the OVR can be skewed positively or negatively based on surrounding influences.
Idea here being that the
True OVR is never touched by the user, we don't see it, we can't change it, nothing we do really impacts it. A potential and progression curve is randomly assigned and that is that.
Meanwhile, every little thing impacts the
Perceived OVR. Awards, stats, schemes, everything plays a role in how players are viewed. The roster becomes more fluid and every CFM is different.
Guys who perform well during contract seasons get big paydays. Sure he may only be the third-best TE on your team, but he's paid like a #1.
Players who excel in one teams system may tank in another. Ouch, shouldn't have given him that multi-year deal.
The greatest QB in the history of the game, or would be greatest, never plays a snap. He was a late round prospect who never even played in a preseason game. Sits in FA with a 60
Perceived OVR.... while his
True OVR is 90. Hangs around a season or two, then retires.
Anything could happen, each CFM takes a different path. And no more XP