Summary
In the NFL world, teams often go into rebuild phases, spending a few seasons solely building a new roster that can compete. This can be done through trades, draft picks, allowing time for a player to develop, or simply reshuffling the staff and plays of the team.
Rebuilding inMadden NFL 24’sFranchise mode is always a fun activity to do, with the satisfaction of winning with a team that has been built from the ground up being ever so sweet. Some teams do not need a rebuild, so it’s important to pick a team that not only needs a rebuild but has a good amount of picks orplayers that could be used in big trades.
6New England Patriots
Since Tom Brady’s departure from New England, the Patriots have been on a decline, with quarterback Mac Jones failing to set the world alight in terms of his performances. Their wide receivers are also lackluster, with Juju Smith-Schuster only being 81 rated as their highest-rated WR. The existence of Mathew Judon creates an opportunity for a big trade, as he is 90 rated, making him a valuable asset.
Players could look to build around their higher-rated players like Judon. However, a rebuild can take multiple years and with Judon being 31 years old, his rating will likely start to decline. The first move when rebuilding with the Patriots would beto scout the upcoming draftfor any high-potential QBs, or go for a blockbuster QB trade and build around that individual.
5Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are no doubt a team with talent, with their main future star being in the shape of wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Jefferson is a 99-rated player, which is perfect when looking at a team for someone to build a squad around. The Vikings also have T.J. Hockenson, who is a 91-rated tight-end inMadden NFL 24. Combine this with solid defensive players such as Harrison Smith and Danielle Hunter, the Vikings have a very solid base team to work around.
The quarterback, Kirk Cousins, is a solid option. Nevertheless, when there is a 99-rated wide receiver on the team, it is crucial to get a quarterback who is a level above Kirk Cousins. With Jefferson being young at 24 years old, players have time to build around him without him losing stats, if anything he will gain stats.
4Carolina Panthers
Since the days of prime Cam Newton, the Panthers have failed to create a team worthy of challenging to win it all. Hope may be there with Bryce Young, but there’sno doubt that much work is neededin Carolina before the Panthers can challenge once again.
This sets up an interesting team to rebuild. They have valuable assets such as Brian Burns and Derrick Brown, who are both 87 and 86 rated, respectively. These two players can be used as pieces for trade due to their high rating, so if players can grab a few high picks or a young batch of high-potential players to pair with Bryce Young at QB, the Panthers can become a team for the future.
3Denver Broncos
A team with players who can’t seem to find their previous form, the Denver Broncos are a team that would be fun to rebuild. With Russell Wilson being a 78-rated quarterback and only showing signs of decline, it is clear that the Broncos could use a direction change.
The Broncos have a ray of hope in Patrick Surtain II, who inMadden NFL 24is 94 rated at 23 years of age. Surtain II along with Justin Simmons are the two stars in which players can build around or dothe riskier move of gambling them awayfor high draft picks, and hoping that a star quarterback can arise from the draft. Combine this with young Jerry Jeudy at wide receiver and the Broncos could see their fortunes improve over time.
2Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another team coping with the loss of Tom Brady, the Bucs have some work to do before they can challenge for another Super Bowl charge. The Bucs are equipped with some very high-rated players, with seven players being above the rating of 85. They have some youth in 24-year-old left tackle Tristan Wirfs and a star wide receiver in 91-rated Mike Evans.
However, the quarterback Baker Mayfield at 76 rated is a clear areain dire need of an upgrade. The Bucs can be rebuilt by shipping out the older talent and bringing in some fresh, young stars to pair with players like Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr. to create a team that has a high amount of potential. This could be done by simple trades, or gambling on trading for future picks, with the hopes of finding a superstar from College.
1Washington Commanders
Following their rebrand, it could be time for a rebuild in Washington for the Commanders. Players can be part of the new era by choosing the Commanders as a team to play in franchise mode. The Commanders have some assets that are valuable in trade, such as 93-rated Terry McLaurin, although he may be a player who could be a game-changer when paired with a good quarterback.
5th-round pick from 2022 Sam Howell has been the Washington Commanders QB1 for the start of the 2023-2024 season, which at 71 rated isn’t good enough for a star receiver such as McLaurin. If players can find a high-quality quarterback, along with an improved o-line, the Commanderscould have a resurgencefor their new era.
