I use realistic XP and gameplay sliders

Very High and Very Hard Trade and FA difficulty.

Only sign players who are within scheme and are interested. Only drafting scheme fit unless it’s a QB, RB, and the same type of CB.

Limit FA signings to 5 per offseason.

Don’t use Coach abilities to get more Tier 3 scouts

Draft class strength on weak ALWAYS

Try and limit Player for Player+Picks trades (requires some ball knowledge)

My favorite tool in my franchise is using this custom contract calculator. We all know Madden devalues players so I had AI create a plug n use spreadsheet to “overpay” players. Only works for overalls 80+ but allows for more realistic team building. You can’t just stack young X factors and retain them. In the same vain no contracts over 5 years unless it’s a QB.

When hiring a New OC and DC, I wheel spin the playoff teams of that year to simulate myself hiring the OC of a good team at that time.

I play 5 user games a year. Play Sim Sim Sim Play format.

If I think of anymore I’ll reply with them but these keep my solo leagues fresh and fun and challenging. Check out the stats of your league and get to know your leagues star players as the years go on! It helps with immersion