I agree that I am against public offers as well, I think it would do more harm than good.

No problem with winners & losers, for those who play the game fairly and honestly. The owners who put a lot of time on here and who have dominant teams have learned how to prey on newbs and apparently those who have had severely losing teams for several seasons and keep trading away top players for average players and low round draft picks. This isnt about socialism, lol, its about fair play, wait! Bernie got screwed big time by unfair DNC tactics, so I guess this game is reflective of politics, lol. OK then, lets open the doors for major screwing by those who know how to do so and like it that way.

Funny or not, Seamens is not a DT. He is a SS. Explain that please. Am I wrong? And why would someone have a player rated that high as 5th in their depth chart at the worst position they could play???? Cmon man. BS ten times over. If I am wrong about that, or its a mistake/glitch, then OK, but if that was set up on purpose to get around the trade meter, then it needs to be exposed, along with any other trades of the same ilk. Sounds like your one of the guys on here who would like to see the trade meter tossed and let everyone fend for themselves, including "dummy" teams that are not actually playing the game. Success if fine, playing fair is also important, at least it is to me. And last I read, this is a "forum" where you are allowed to post your thoughts, concerns, questions, etc., regardless of whether you are a new player or not, and what really got me going on this subject was the abuse that was pointed out to me by one of the top players on here, who has given up on trying to bring more attention to it. So pardon my enthusiasm.

IMO, there is far too much emphasis, or rather obsession, in GMs trying to upgrade their rosters by making trades. This leads to too many trades in MFN, certainly as compared to the NFL, where the most active days of trading are during or shortly before the draft. Otherwise, there are few, if any blockbuster trades ever made in the NFL. And it is the sheer number of trades in MFN that calls to our attention the need to discuss the issues in this thread.

I think the reason for so many trades rests on a fundamental misunderstanding by GMs of the value of overall player ratings as it relates to other factors that contribute to success, i.e., winning games and competing for championships. The result in MFN? There is far too little focus on actual game play, i.e., actual detailed game planning, which requires schemes and complimentary personnel (not necessarily elite players). For my money, I'll take my chances against a roster filled with elites with a roster filled with players whom I rate in the 70's, but whose average overall default ratings probably hover in the 60's.

Words of advice to newbies:

Don't mortgage your future by trading high draft choices, even for elite players, unless you realistically have a chance to compete for a championship after the trade. (I don't know how a newbie can make that assessment until after playing at least a few MFN seasons.)

Don't fool yourself into thinking that one player will "pull you over the top".

Build depth on your roster by signing free agents or drafting players in the lower rounds who have skills that compliment your schemes. (It's frequently your subs that will give up or make the big play - more so if you take advantage of their skills and minimize their weaknesses by taking into consideration the formations and circumstances under which they are likely to play.)

Remember, even a zero rating for a particular skill doesn't mean a player has no skill in that category. Even the slowest WR in the MFN would probably run a 5+/- second 40 yd dash. So, his speed and/or acceleration bars in MFN would be low. However, if he has excellent route running skills, excellent hands and courage, I guarantee he will make some plays for you. Especially when you need a couple of yards on short yardage plays, irrespective of the skills of his defender.

By the way, the need to trade for elite players can be diminished if MFN makes it harder for GMs to stockpile them. After all, which elite players in real life do you know who would settle for being second or even third string AND being paid less than fair market value to boot? Exactly none would be my guess. So, how do we do that?

First, restrict extending contracts for any player (whether drafted or signed as a free agent) until just before the last year of his expiring contract.

Then, peg the amount a player demands for the first year of his extended contract bonus and total compensation equal to the average bonus and compensation paid in the last year of his expiring contract to highest "X" number of players within "Y" number of points of his overall default rating. (X and Y to be determined.)

The amount so determined can be increased or decreased by the length of the proposed extension (longer terms cost more, in absolute terms, both in bonus and total compensation). Other factors that could affect the amount demanded could be (1) the age of the player (older, more experienced, players should cost more per season (but also get shorter contract offers)) and (2) the player's relevant statistics, e.g., the number of plays played during the season before, the number of tackles made, rushing yards, etc., which reflect the player's relative importance to his current team and other teams in the league.

Anyway, implementing something along these lines will likely put upward pressure on the amount paid to retain players and ultimately make the salary cap more meaningful. Thus, I would expect more players, especially higher rated veterans, to hit free agency. This would reduce the number of trades and place a higher premium of drafting well, which is the case now in real life.

That WAS explained. Seaman was a SS... with 64 Speed. For Tennessee, that meant he was to slow to play in the Secondary, but with those huge potentials on TKL/Run/Pass he lined up perfect for the Abilities of a Pass Rush DT who just needed to put on weight.

So in an attempt to keep from having to outright Cut their 1st Round Pick, they moved him somewhere that he could attempt to be useful for Tennessee.

What is so hard to understand about that??

Seaman is NOT going to be a Plug and Play SS because of his limited Speed, a Team is going to have to go to lengths in Game Planning to hide that weakness and not have him be exposed... BUT, if they do that, he's going to be a beast in the Box.

I literally explained this already, but instead of recognizing and responding to it you attempt to carry the same argument over.

OK, sorry I did not respond to your previous point about the trade, and it is plausible maybe even accurate. BUT... by your reasoning of Seamens limited speed for SS making him unsuitable for the position and a bad first round draft choice, why is he back at SS for the team that got him, the first place dominating team of the league? Go take a look at how he is being used now. Is he starting for the playoffs? He is the fifth leading tackler out of the secondary, and #8 overall on the team so far, not bad for a slow SS who is prob used in a nickel, dime, and pass coverage situations. If he was so bad, why not pick up a FA SS? or trade with someone else for a faster SS? Yes, i know that certain attributes for certain situations, however... here's the point.... what happens on the trade meter when you take a player and put him at his worst rated position? put him at the bottom of the depth chart?
Tell you what, I would trade for him right now with the same deal he was acquired for if I could get him, lol.

Okay, for those who feel a newb like me shouldnt be makin a big fuss about this issue, Im gonna shut up and go back to my huddle. I can honestly say that I have never done this or been this outspoken before in any other online game, which has surprised me. Ive been a football game nerd since I was 12 years old and had the APBA table top game, played HS, College (Cal Poly), Semi Pro, and had a tryout with the Chargers in the 70's, it wasnt much of a tryout but it was real big for me just to get invited, my hero was Lance Alworth who I tried to emulate, but didnt have his speed, lol. I coached football at youth, jr high, and high school level. So, I guess I take it more seriously than I should, and Im sorry for that, will try to curb my enthusiasm and such. I look forward to playing with the vast majority on here who play fair and honest and dont bend the rules way farther than they should, to where they break.

I explained this already as well.

Because Tennessee values Speed in the Secondary, thus making Seaman unsuitable for SS IN TENNESSEE.

Where as Cincy is going to game plan and package him to not expose (hopefully) his lack of Speed to being exploited at SS.

Moving him to DT was a desperation attempt (and not a bad one) from Tennessee to salvage a 1st Rounder, but Cincy is better that they can put the right Systems in place to hi-light his good things and mask his bad.

Do you intentionally ignore these explanations? I find myself having to give the same ones over and over again.

As I said, Seaman isn't bad... IF he's used properly. Tennessee didn't feel they could use him properly, or weren't willing to affect the rest of the Defense to tailor a Defense around a 65 Speed SS.

Seaman is by far the Best Player in this Trade, with only the LT having a real chance of impact and that's only if they keep him off the field on Run Plays, which means he's limited to less Snaps.

In return, Tennessee got Speed in the Secondary... the 90 Speed CB, Depth on the OL who will be great on Passing Downs, AND a 2nd Round Pick... all for a guy that they couldn't fit into their Scheme.

That's awesome value.

And Cincy got a guy they can plug into their Defense and protect that will produce, at a pretty good cost.

I fail to see the issues you seem to think exist with this Trade.

I actually got him for depth and for coverage in dime packages. Punisher values speed at DB so he specifically asked for my former 2nd round CB who was fast. The trade meter doesn't change if you move positions so the trade was actually in middle since he was higher rated at SS. The key is finding value in players that aren't valued in certain systems. The only reason I even knew about this player was because black flys posted about trying to trade punisher for him on the league board. I never thought I was fleecing him but actually helping both us. I was actually debating not doing the deal cause I hate giving up 2nd rounders especially with an aging roster. I agree with OP that trading has kinda got crazy but my only beef is context and being called out without knowing me

Again, tell me what effect that has on the trade meter. I dont know is why Im asking. And sorry, I just dont buy the idea about having to salvage a first rounder like Seamens. As far as Tennesee goes, he has a good starting SS with overall rating of 83 and 93 speed, if speed is the most critical factor for SS which I dont think it is. His backup has 78 speed with overall under 50 rating. Lets look at the FS's, both have speed with below average defaults of 63 & 54. How many reading this thread would put an SS at DT instead of FS or used as a nickel back? or as the backup to the starter? Yes, you can trade him, which I would do if I didnt think he was much better than you do, and if I did I would make sure that I was getting first round value in return. How many winning players (conf & league champs) reading this thread base their secondaries on speed alone? OK, you dont have to be a winner, but I would expect experience from 3 seasons or more, and help/advice from friends/players, that a player would improve both in player selection and game strategy. Maybe not, but oh, btw... Seamons overall ratings for FS is 54/87, his key attributes are very impressive, so I just cant buy your theory about why that trade was anywhere near equal value, but thanks for the try. Anyone else care to comment on this trade, good or bad?

Also, if you'd trade for him... why don't you? Send an offer.

But you confuse a few things. Just because Seaman is an 87 as a SS (on what ever Weights are being used for us to see) doesn't mean it's his most Productive Spot.

As a DT he was likely a 5-10 Sack a Year guy, better as a DE but people like DE's to have 85+ Speed, which he lacks.

Look at the League Leaders, you'll find some Low Rated DEs that are Top 10 in their Leagues in Sacks... because the Abilities are in the right places.

In MFN, a 69-70 DT CAN have more production/impact than an 88 SS. You aren't taking that into consideration at all.

For instance, I give you Charles Moore, the RDE from Los Angeles.
2nd in the League in Sacks, with 35. Would you agree 35 Sacks far outweighs what Seaman has done?

His Abilities?
79 SPD 92 ACC 60 STR 77 TKL 86 PASS 100 RUN.
65 SPD 92 ACC 76 STR 76/100 TKL 80/100 RUN
Now let's put Seaman as a DE against that.

Since Seaman is back at SS we can't see his Pass Rush... but everything else is very comparable to the #2 Sack Man in the League, isn't it? He's a little slower, but he's also an equal amount stronger. -14 in Speed but +16 in STR. Even on ACC. And has a chance at 100 TKL, way better than Moore.

Moving Seaman to a position where he could be nearly as Productive as Moore wasn't a stupid thing, but you are railing on it like he'd be MORE valuable at SS simply because of the Overall Rating.

Which is why we've tried to tell you over and over again, that the Overall Rating doesn't really mean much, you have to look at the Player in context.

Because Moore is a 72/75... yet capable of being the #2 Sack Artist in the League even WITHOUT super speed.

Rick Goodall is 6th in Sacks, look at him and tell me Seaman doesn't match up on those Abilities that get him to the QB. Despite being (Seaman) rated Lower at DE, he has the right Abilities to matter for Sack Production.

Now, as a DT he'd likely not get as many Sacks as the DEs... but it doesn't mean he wouldn't be an Interior Pass Rush Force as a DT.

Stop letting an Overall with Weights we have no clue about being applied to it affect your thinking, and actually LOOK at the Player.