I just took over a team and found I have an excellent CF free agent who basically has told me to go screw (you had the chance to sign my client last year and didn't) and they are testing free agency. Is it safe to assume that I can't offer them enough money to stay but what are my chances to resign in the open market?

Second question why is my payroll budget 4 seasons from now restrictive? It is showing a payroll budget that is exactly 50% of what my current payroll budget is and it is not allowing me to sign players beyond that amount. Where does this number come from and what does it actually represent? Is this so an owner can't bury a team in contracts long term?

If you offer the best contract, all will be forgiven.

It's always been that way and, yes, it's designed to keep owners from signing multiple horrible LT deals then dumping the team for someone else to deal with.

Thank you

yw

Will free agents accept less than there demands toward the end of the signing period Or if they go unsigned?

If they have no offers, demands drop.    And continue to drop throughout the off-season, regular season.   That said, they have to be signed BEFORE the 9th ST game in order to avoid ratings hits.