instead of just increasing player sallaries during the off-season you should be able to negotiate with them. for example, if a player is happy with the teams direction and he's teammates he may sign for less. or if a player gets the playing time he thinks he deserves he'd be happy to sign for less. Also add in contract length. e.g. 3 years, 5 years, play options, team options. it'd make the off-season alot better.