Madden 26: New Orleans Saints Team Breakdown
Madden NFL 26 is a football simulation video game developed by EA Tiburon and published by EA Sports as part of the long-running Madden NFL series.The main gameplay of the game revolves around football simulation, managing a team, and improving players, which can be developed and enhanced by collecting player cards, items, and Madden 26 coins.
Madden NFL 26 brings a fresh look to the gridiron, and for New Orleans Saints fans, it's a season of transition, questions, and intriguing potential. Coming off a turbulent 2024 campaign, the Saints enter Madden 26 with a revamped playbook, key roster shakeups, and plenty of decisions for Franchise Mode players.
Whether you're controlling them in Franchise, squaring off online, or building a Saints-themed Ultimate Team, here's everything you need to know about the Black and Gold in Madden 26.
Quarterback Carousel Continues
The Saints once again find themselves without a clear franchise quarterback in Madden 26. After Derek Carr's inconsistent play and injury struggles, his in-game rating sits in the low 70s,an unspectacular but workable option in short-term Franchise runs. However, many players will be tempted to draft or sign a new QB early.
Carr's strengths are his awareness and short accuracy, but his throw power and mobility are limited. Jameis Winston may still be on the roster as a backup with a strong arm but low awareness, offering a classic high-risk, high-reward option.
Expect to see a heavy focus from players on finding a long-term answer under center.
Skill Position Standouts
1. Running Back:
Alvin Kamara remains a weapon in Madden 26, albeit with slightly declining ratings. He still has elite pass-catching skills and agility, making him dangerous in open space. Rookie or younger backs like Kendre Miller may also appear on the roster, providing solid change-of-pace options. Kamara remains one of the Saints' most valuable offensive players in both Franchise and Ultimate Team builds.
2. Wide Receiver and Tight End:
Chris Olave shines as the team's top wideout, with mid-to-high 80s ratings in speed, route running, and catching. He's a must-target for Franchise players looking to develop a WR1 into superstar status. Rashid Shaheed adds elite speed and return ability, though he's more of a role player.
At tight end, Juwan Johnson is a dependable red-zone threat, while Foster Moreau offers decent depth. No Travis Kelce or George Kittle here, but enough to run play-action or short pass-heavy schemes effectively.
Offensive Line: Aging but Solid
The Saints' offensive line in Madden 26 is a mixed bag. Veterans like Ryan Ramczyk anchor the right side with high awareness and pass-blocking stats, but age and cap space start becoming issues quickly in Franchise Mode.
Left tackle and guard spots may need attention early if you're planning a rebuild. The unit can keep Carr upright in short bursts, but you'll want to prioritize run game schemes unless you invest in pass-protection upgrades.
Defensive Unit: Still Fierce Up Front
1. Defensive Line:
Cameron Jordan is still present, though his ratings have begun to decline with age. Madden 26 reflects his leadership and awareness, making him a force in simulation but less dominant in user-controlled pass rushes. DT Bryan Bresee and DE Payton Turner offer youth and upside—solid development players for Franchise Mode users.
2. Linebackers:
Demario Davis continues to defy age, with Madden rewarding his consistency with high tackle and play recognition ratings. He's a CPU monster in zone defense and decent in user control. Pete Werner provides a more athletic coverage option with good pursuit and speed.
3. Secondary:
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore remains the Saints' defensive star, with high man coverage, speed, and awareness. He's a lockdown option on the outside and a reliable core player in Franchise Mode. However, the depth behind him,especially at safety,can be a liability. Tyrann Mathieu is still a solid hybrid safety but has lost a step in Madden 26 ratings.
Special Teams and Superstar Abilities
Will Lutz (or his replacement) remains a reliable kicker with solid mid-80s ratings. Return duties often fall to Shaheed, whose speed can flip field position if you use special teams to your advantage.
In terms of Superstar/X-Factor players, Marshon Lattimore retains Shutdown, giving him a boost in one-on-one coverage scenarios. Kamara, depending on your roster file or Franchise progression, may or may not have an active ability. Olave is close to earning a Superstar trait, especially in early Franchise development seasons.
Franchise Mode Strategy
Controlling the Saints in Franchise Mode requires careful planning:
1. Solve the QB situation: Drafting a rookie or signing a mobile QB can unlock play-action and RPOs.
2. Preserve Kamara: Use his talents wisely. Rotate in younger backs to reduce injury risk.
3. Upgrade the secondary: Lattimore is elite, but your safeties and CB2 need reinforcements.
4. Plan for the future: Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis are aging. Their eventual retirement or regression will force leadership turnover.
5. Cap Management: The Saints often begin Franchise Mode with cap headaches. Be strategic with contracts and dead money.
Online Play and Ultimate Team
The Saints are not a top-tier team in online head-to-head but remain competitive thanks to Olave, Kamara, and a decent defensive core. Ball-control offense and bend-don't-break defense are the best approach for success.
In Ultimate Team, Saints fans can build strong themed squads with Legends like Drew Brees, Ricky Williams, and Deuce McAllister. Look for Olave and Lattimore to get frequent upgrades throughout the MUT season.
Final Thoughts
The New Orleans Saints in Madden 26 are a balanced but aging roster,ripe for rebuilds, loaded with iconic veterans, and peppered with young talent worth developing. They aren't a flashy pick, but for Franchise players who love cap challenges and long-term strategy, they offer one of the most satisfying team-building experiences in the game.
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