Adding Roster Slots and FAAB

We haven’t had new rules since 2010, when we cut out carryovers for bye weeks and bonus points for long touchdowns. Plus we are adding a new rule that was shot down back then, Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB)! Oh wait, we also had 2011, where we added decimalization of scores and illegal lineups scoring zero points — plus an adjustment to waiver running days. Take a quick refresher of all the current rules if needed by going through the "rules" tag on the blog.

So this year we voted on three new rules, and they passed by simple majority:

1) Adding a mandatory TE position + 1 new bench spot (9/10 "yes" votes)
Welcome back the tight end to CTDB! We’ve been running WR/TE combos since the beginning but after 10+ years, we’re finally bring tight ends into the fold. NFL teams regularly have two TEs on the field now so we follow suit by requiring at least one. Note: This will come with an expansion of a new bench slot as well.

2) Adding a RB position + 1 new bench spot (7/10)
With the changing NFL roster dynamics, the days of the single running backs are (mostly) long behind us. Also, with a ten team league, requiring two RBs was seen as a necessary change. Note: This change will also come with a new bench spot.

3) Changing our Waiver system to a Free Agent Acquisition Budget (6/10)
We’ll detail out what days we run FAAB -- still figuring out that detail. The beginning FAAB budget is $100 and there can be no trading of FAAB budgets. However, an owner could trade for a player that someone else bids on for them, similar to acquiring a player using another owner's waiver wire spot. Here's some FAAB articles if you need an explainer:

• How to use ESPN's new FAAB feature (2010)
• Your League Needs to Change Your Waiver System ASAP (2016)
• The Ultimate Guide to Waiver Wire & FAAB Strategy (2016) 

So moving forward, we have new roster limits and starting lineup requirements:

New Roster Limits

• 10 active starters, 8 reserves, 1 IR slot
• Any player can be placed on the IR slot, but once there, they no longer allowed to be active for the rest of the season. The player in the IR slot can be released. (??)
• Five players may be designated as keepers each year

Starting Lineup 

1 QB
2 RB
3 WR/TE
1 TE
1 RB/WR/TE  (Flex)
1 K
1 Def

• Illegal rosters score zero points in standings
• Lineup deadline: Five minutes before gametime for each player

Rules not voted on but discussed:

• Making some sort of official outlawing of keeper slot manipulation
• Moving the WR/TE designation to simply WR for some of the WR/TE slots
• Expansion and/or reset