August 29, 2025
Madden NFL 26: Top Preseason Cuts to Fill the Void in Franchise Mode Check out which preseason cuts could provide valuable additions to your Madden NFL 26 Franchise team
The NFL’s cut day brings mixed emotions for fans as fan-favorite players get released, leaving a pool of talent up for grabs. This is the time for Madden NFL 26 players to dive in and make strategic moves to strengthen their teams in Franchise mode. With the waiver wire open and practice squad players seeking new opportunities, there’s no better moment to fill those roster gaps.
🔥 Key Players to Target for Your Madden NFL 26 Franchise
Here are some of the standout players who were cut and might be perfect for your franchise rebuild or depth chart:
Quarterback: Tommy Devito
Team: New England Patriots
Tommy Devito, despite playing for one of the league’s weakest offenses, still boasts an 88.4 passer rating. He could be a great addition to your Madden 26 roster as a backup with a decent amount of experience. The Patriots picked him up on waivers, but he’s a solid option if you need a reliable second-string QB.
Honorable Mentions:
- Tyler Huntley
- Mike White
- Hendon Hooker
Running Back: Audric Estime
Team: Denver Broncos
At just 21 years old, Estime’s 4.1 yards per carry last season make him a solid pick-up for teams in need of a power back. Given the Broncos’ decision to cut him, he may be a great under-the-radar choice for your running back by committee.
Honorable Mentions:
- Khalil Herbert
- Cam Akers
- Michael Carter
Wide Receiver: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Despite being let go by the Seahawks, MVS has the deep threat potential that many teams will look for. His speed and ability to stretch the field make him a solid option for any offense needing that extra layer of explosiveness.
Honorable Mentions:
- K.J. Osborn
- Trey Palmer
- Robert Woods
Tight End: Harrison Bryant
Team: Cleveland Browns
Bryant may not be an elite tight end, but he has proven himself with solid hands and decent blocking ability. He’s a reliable option to be TE3 for teams that need a versatile backup or red zone threat.
Honorable Mentions:
- Josh Whyle
- Robert Tonyan
- Greg Dulcich
Offensive Tackle: Dan Skipper
Team: Detroit Lions
Skipper stands out at 6’10” and could easily be a valuable addition to any team in need of a swing tackle or a reliable backup for right tackle. His size and flexibility make him a great depth piece.
Honorable Mentions:
- Trent Brown
- Max Scharping
- Jaelyn Duncan
Defensive Tackle: Morgan Fox
Team: Atlanta Falcons
A veteran with solid pass-rush skills, Morgan Fox could be a game-changer for a team looking to bolster its defensive line rotation. After spending time with the Rams and Chargers, Fox provides both consistency and depth.
Honorable Mentions:
- DeMarvin Leal
- Keondre Coburn
- Shy Tuttle
EDGE Rusher: Clelin Ferrell
Team: San Francisco 49ers
Though Ferrell hasn’t lived up to his 2019 draft expectations, he’s still a useful player in rotation. His stint with the 49ers saw him increase his pressure numbers, including 13 QB hits and six TFLs in 2023, making him a valuable depth piece.
Honorable Mentions:
- Myles Cole
- Mohamed Kamara
- Brennan Jackson
Linebacker: Chris Paul Jr.
Team: Los Angeles Rams
One of the biggest surprises of cut day, Chris Paul Jr. was a standout in the offseason but was ultimately let go by the Rams. He could be a great addition to a linebacker group in need of a fresh, hungry player.
Honorable Mentions:
- Chad Muma
- Channing Tindall
- Isaiah Land
Cornerback: Jalyn Armour-Davis
Team: Baltimore Ravens
After a strong preseason performance, Armour-Davis was picked up by the Tennessee Titans. His physicality and good ball skills make him a great backup or depth piece in any secondary.
Honorable Mentions:
- JuJu Brents
- Duke Shelley
- Beanie Bishop Jr.
Safety: Mike Edwards
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Despite being a leader in the Chiefs’ secondary, Edwards was cut during roster cuts. He’s likely to be picked up by a team looking for experience in the secondary. Edwards could fill a role as a starter or a top backup for a defensive squad.
Honorable Mentions:
- Darrick Forrest
- Chuck Clark
- Marcus Epps
💥 Special Teams: Kicker Dustin Hopkins & Punter Thomas Morstead
Both proven veterans, Dustin Hopkins (K) and Thomas Morstead (P) could easily step in for teams needing reliable special teams play. With consistent performances over the years, both players should land spots on active rosters soon.
🏆 Wrapping Up
With so many standout players released during the NFL’s cut day, Madden NFL 26 players have an excellent opportunity to fill key positions with talented, yet undervalued players. These preseason cuts may not have been the household names, but they offer incredible depth and potential for any team in Franchise mode. Don’t sleep on these underrated gems as you build your team for the upcoming season!