Madden NFL 26 (6 Underrated Players In Franchise Mode): How To Build The Best Roster On A Smaller Budget?
Posted: Aug 18, 2025 Views: 23
How to choose the best roster for your team in Madden NFL 26 Franchise Mode has always been a question that has plagued many players.
Of course, we all know that higher-rated players are more effective at winning games, but acquiring them on the market can be incredibly difficult and expensive. Especially in the early stages of the game, the chances of prying away players like Patrick Mahomes, Justin Jefferson, and Micah Parsons are practically zero.
Therefore, instead of spending a fortune on star players, it's better to take a long-term view and invest in lesser-known players in Franchise Mode. Compared to more famous and legendary athletes, signing them costs far less Madden 26 coins. With careful development, you can lead these underrated future stars to new heights of glory.
With these reasons in mind, here are six players worth investing in Franchise Mode. You can use them to replace your bench players. Their exceptional individual skills and immense potential can significantly improve your team and fully utilize your playbook.
1. Troy Andersen (Atlanta Falcons) - 71 OVR
Troy Andersen is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. Although he only has a 71 OVR, his strengths lie in run defense and pursuit.
Andersen boasts 91 speed and 93 acceleration, meaning he can quickly cover a wide area once he's in motion. Furthermore, at approximately 1.93 meters tall and with an 86 jumping ability, he can leap high to catch the ball, especially in contested situations.
To acquire Troy Andersen, you'll need at least a 70 OVR player and a 2026 fifth-rounder. Believe it or not, with your efforts, he can become your team's most dazzling All-Star player.
2. Anthony Richardson Sr. (Indianapolis Colts) - 72 OVR
If your team is currently lacking a standout quarterback, consider Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Richardson. Don't let his current 72 OVR fool you; his impressive individual stats will definitely impress, especially his 91 speed and 92 acceleration, which make him an actual threat in close contact.
Additionally, his arm strength is quite strong, and his 96 throwing power and 83 accuracy stats mean Richardson can throw the ball with considerable velocity and impressive accuracy.
Of course, these stats alone would clearly place him among the top players, but the key reason he's currently severely underrated is his 61 awareness.
While awareness isn't the most important attribute, it does impact a player's reactions to various game situations. For quarterbacks in particular, awareness not only affects their response to route selection but also their reaction time during the scramble.
But if you're not currently simming, Anthony Richardson Sr. is still well worth the investment.
To acquire Richardson, your smartest move would be to trade for a player with an OVR between 74 and 79, who the Indianapolis Colts desperately need. These players are typically stable starters or high-end backups. However, compared to a quality quarterback who can quickly bring explosiveness to your team, this trade is definitely a bargain.
3. Roger Rosengarten (Baltimore Ravens) - 74 OVR
If you're looking for an offensive lineman, Roger Rosengarten of the Baltimore Ravens could be a good option.
Rosengarten has an overall rating of 74 and the Agile Archetype. As a right tackle, his best blocking attribute is 85 Impact Blocking, and his Stamina rating is also quite impressive at 87.
While this player's overall rating isn't the highest on this list, with 82 strength and 81 pass-blocking finesse, he'll be an excellent pass-blocker, especially against players who rely on finesse moves. However, you might want to be wary of larger, more powerful defensive linemen, as they could be the biggest threat to Rosengarten.
It's worth noting that signing Rosengarten was quite easy, requiring only a third-round pick, which is a steal considering his performance!
4. Oluwafemi Oladejo (Tennessee Titans) - 74 OVR
On defense, another player worth keeping an eye on is Tennessee Titans defensive back Oluwafemi Oladejo. His overall rating is 74, but as a rookie, his 85 speed and 87 acceleration give him a very capable pass-rushing ability.
With such strong ratings, Oladejo is very effective, especially if he also possesses other strong attributes like agility, route running, or catching. It all depends on your investment and development.
On defense, there's another second-round pick who's easy to acquire early in franchise mode. Oluwafemi Oladejo, a defensive back out of Tennessee, has a 74 overall rating, 85 speed, 87 acceleration, and a decent pass rush as a rookie.
Since Oluwafemi Oladejo is only a second-round rookie, he's easy to acquire early in franchise mode. All you need to get him is a position player with an OVR of 72-75, a 2026 third-round pick, and a future mid-rounder!
5. TreVeyon Henderson (England Patriots) - 76 OVR
Next is TreVeyon Henderson, a standout running back prospect from the Patriots. His core traits are agility and elusiveness. Henderson's speed, acceleration, and agility ratings are 91, 90, and 86, respectively, making him a great runner, making him difficult to tackle and more effective at evading opposing offenses.
Notably, his carrying rating is a whopping 94, meaning he's very adept at avoiding fumbles. High ball-handling rates are crucial for running backs and other players who frequently touch the ball, as they directly impact the likelihood of fumbles.
TreVeyon Henderson is one of the Patriots' top-rated running backs, so trading him for a 2026 second-rounder and a mid-to-high 70th overall pick would be a solid investment.
6. DJ Turner II (Cincinnati Bengals) - 79 OVR
Finally, we'll mention Cincinnati Bengals cornerback, 79 OVR DJ Turner II. It's no secret that finding a great corner is inherently difficult, and a good cover corner is even harder. However, DJ Turner II offers the perfect solution at a very reasonable price.
As a corner, his strongest defensive attribute is Zone Coverage, rated 77. His most notable overall rating is Acceleration, rated 97. His coverage skills, 77 Zone and 76 Man, are well-balanced, making him a versatile player on the court.
Players with these ratings are valuable additions to your team, as they can adapt to various defensive strategies and coverages.
You can acquire him in exchange for a mid-level player, a 2026 third-rounder, and a few other future picks. Such a balanced defensive player will definitely be the highlight of your team.
In short, these players are excellent additions to your Franchise Mode lineup, saving you more money and holding significant potential to secure a spot in the championship!
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