Top players to acquire in Madden 25 Franchise mode

When starting a new Franchise mode save in Madden 25, the objective is to establish long-term success. Through strategic trades, players can transform their team into a dominant dynasty that consistently competes for the Super Bowl.

The NFL roster’s enormity and plethora of positions can make it challenging to pinpoint areas for improvement. To simplify the process, we have compiled a list of the top players to consider trading for.

Top Players to Trade for in Madden 25’s Franchise Mode

To increase your chances of winning the Super Bowl in Franchise mode, we have put together a list of the top players to trade for in the most sought-after positions in Madden 25.

To aid in your player selection, we have provided a type for each player that describes their profile. This will assist you in determining which players to pursue according to your specific needs.

Elite: One of the top players available in this position.
In their prime: This player is currently at their peak and has the potential to significantly enhance your team as one of the top five players in their position.
Star: The player is on the cusp of becoming a top talent with the proper development.
The player has immense potential and with proper development, they have the potential to achieve great success.

Quarterback

Player	Team	OVR	Type
Lamar Jackson	Baltimore Ravens	98	Elite
Josh Allen	Buffalo Bills	92	Prime
C.J. Stroud	Houston Texans	81	Star
Caleb Williams	Chicago Bears	76	Potential
Anthony Richardson	Indianapolis Colts	74	Potential

When it comes to finding a versatile quarterback, Lamar Jackson checks all the boxes. While it may be challenging to secure his services, Jackson is an exceptional top-tier choice who can bring a dual threat element to your team’s offense.

Developing a young quarterback is a smart approach as they will serve as the cornerstone of your team for many years. C.J. Stroud, Caleb Williams, and Anthony Richardson form a trio of talented QBs with the potential to become top-tier players through proper coaching and support.

Stroud has made the most progress in his development if you are looking to secure a deal for the most experienced of the three.

Stroud is ready for the next step in his career.

Running Back / Half Back

Player	Team	OVR	Type
Christian McCaffrey	San Francisco 49ers	99	Elite
Travis Etienne Jr.	Jacksonville Jaguars	90	Prime
Jonathan Taylor	Indianapolis Colts	87	Prime
Breece Hall	New York Jets	84	Star
Bijon Robinson	Atlanta Falcons	82	Potential

Christian McCaffrey, the featured player on the cover, stands out as the top choice among Running Backs available for trade. Acquiring McCaffrey may not be feasible for all teams, as his price tag is exorbitant. However, if you seek the most exceptional player, the 49ers’ standout is the ideal option.

Despite having signed a new contract with the Colts, Jonathan Taylor may still be seeking a new beginning after the public controversy surrounding his exit at the start of the 2023/2024 season. Therefore, providing an exit for him elsewhere could potentially fulfill his desire for a fresh start.

Bijan Robinson Madden 25 trade — EA Sports

Wide Receiver

Player	Team	OVR	Type
CeeDee Lamb	Dallas Cowboys	96	Elite
Amon-Ra St. Brown	Detroit Lions	95	Elite
D.K. Metcalf	Seattle Seahawks	86	Prime
Puka Nacua	Los Angeles Rams	85	Star
Rashee Rice	Kansas City Chiefs	81	Potential

In terms of athleticism, there is no one in the league who can match D.K. Metcalf’s abilities. His impressive 96 Speed and 94 Jumping are a testament to this. He is situated between two renowned superstars and two rising stars with immense potential.

Lamb and St. Brown are established players who may come at a steep price. On the other hand, Nacua and Rice had successful seasons last year and have the potential to further solidify their reputations if acquired through a trade.

Nacua will look to build on an impressive first season in the NFL.

Position: Tight End

Player	Team	OVR	Type
Travis Kelce	Kansas City Chiefs	99	Elite
Mark Andrews	Baltimore Ravens	94	Prime
Sam LaPorta	Detroit Lions	86	Star
Cole Farmer	Chicago Bears	83	Potential
Kyle Pitts	Atlanta Falcons	83	Potential

While it may seem odd to not consider Kelce as one of the top TEs to trade for, we advise proceeding with caution due to his age of 34. It is important to keep in mind that he may not be able to contribute to the long-term success of your franchise. Therefore, if you do decide to trade for Kelce, make sure to negotiate a suitable deal.

It’s clear to me that Sam LaPorta is the top choice on this list, as he seamlessly fits into any offensive playbook. With his impressive debut season in the NFL, it’s evident that LaPorta has a bright future ahead of him.

Cornerback

Player	Team	OVR	Type
Sauce Gardner	New York Jets	97	Elite
Jaire Alexander	Green Bay Packers	93	Elite
Trevon Diggs	Dallas Cowboys	89	Prime
Tariq Woolen	Seattle Seahawks	86	Star
Deommodore Lenoir	San Francisco 49ers	82	Potential

The Jets defense has caught the attention of many at the beginning of the 2024/2025 season, largely due to standout players such as Sauce Gardner. Out of all the top players mentioned, we strongly suggest acquiring Gardner due to his prime age. At only 23 years old, Gardner has the potential to dominate as the league’s top Cornerback for the next decade.

Tariq Woolen is a great choice due to his 97 Speed stat, which places him in the top five fastest players in Madden 25.

Gardner will instantly elevate any defensive unit.

Linebacker

Player	Team	OVR	Type
Fred Warner	San Francisco 49ers	97	Elite
Alex Highsmith	Pittsburgh Steelers	89	Prime
Joey Bosa	Los Angeles Chargers	87	Prime
Tremaine Edmunds	Chicago Bears	84	Star
Quay Walker	Green Bay Packers	79	Potential

The importance of the Linebacker position should not be underestimated. Although they may not make flashy plays like Wide Receivers or Running Backs, Linebackers serve as the backbone of your team and lay the groundwork for success.

If you prefer a player who consistently puts their strength to the test every week, Joey Bosa is the ideal choice for trading. However, if you prioritize speed in your player profile, Edmunds would be the player to target.