Madden NFL Ultimate ’23: Best Free Players to Choose in Ultimate Team

Rather than having you scroll endlessly through all the players, we’ve made things a little clearer and (hopefully) a little easier for you – in terms of determining the best free players to optimize your team in Madden ‘23. EA has already put out the entire list of player ratings for gamers to look through (more than a week ago), but it may not be as straight-forward as trawling through the ’99 Club team members.

The Best Free Players to Choose in Ultimate Team – MUT ‘23

With the foreboding disappointment, fans had over Madden ’22 looming over the release of Madden ‘23 – there’s big stakes being placed on EA to bring improvements to the long-standing franchise.

At the core of the game, of course, is the actual players you’ll be needing to assemble you team. Here we take a look at who EA has brought back, new additions, and the best players to send out for each position so you’re prepared to ride through the season.

The ’99 Club is a little different this year, with the absence of Quarterbacks. It features the likes of Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns) and Trent Williams as an offensive linesman (San Fran 49’ers).

The lowest-rated players this year are: Joe Cardona (New England Patriots), Matthew Orzech (Los Angeles Rams), Zach Triner (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and Zach Wood (New Orleans Saints).

For first-year players and rookies, Jameson Williams (Detroit Lions), Jordan Davis (Philadelphia Eagles), and Sauce Gardner (New York Jets) top out the list, which should not be a surprise to anyone considering how dynamic these three players are; especially with Jordan Davis as a powerful run-stopper.

Quarterbacks – look out for:

Tom Brady (Tampa Bay), Josh Allen (Buffalo), Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers), Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City), Joe Burrow (Cincinnati), and Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers).

Tom Brady even added a significant amount of speed this year, making the leap from a 71 in the prior season (59) to his current spot at 71.

Just ensure you’re not opting for Bobby Hart – the only plater with a designated speed rating below 50, sitting at an unimpressive 49.

The fastest non-receivers are players like quarterback Lamar Jackson (Ravens) and Raheem Mostert (Dolphins), coming in above 95.

 Some top teams overall: Rams (88), Packers (88), Bills (88), and Buccaneers (92).

While the Buccaneers might have a higher overall score, the Bills definitely come across as the most balanced team in the game – despite the slightly lower rating. Higher top positions in both offense and defense for the Bills, when compared to the Buccaneers.

You’ve also got an extremely talented receive in the role of Stefon Diggs. Playing as the Bills can likely give you a jump on friends (or foes) you play against online.

Other great, well-rounded teams are:

Chargers (Offensive Team – 88), Steelers (Defensive – 87), Packers (Defensive – 87), Ravens (88), and Chiefs (87).

Some special players worthy of your time and potentially building your team and franchise around:

A.J. Terrell (Atlanta Falcons – great coverage as a young player with an 89 overall, with high speed and agility). The zone coverage on him is extremely high, and you can work with him even if you mostly play defense).

Rashawn Slater (Los Angeles Chargers – left tackle is an essential position, and with Rashawn Slater, you have one of the top young members with an 84 rating overall and room to grow. As a great run-blocker, he’ll make a strong difference to building out a team and is a good approach).

DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks – the ideal receiver. A high rating of 89 overall, but absolutely absurd speed at 95, with good catch, agility, and traffic. His strengths can easily make up for any apparent weakness).

Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys – if you’re looking to structure you team around pass-rushing, then Micah Parsons would be a good starting point to build your team around. Overall, 88 rating, but with insanely high speed, agility, tackling, and acceleration – he has all the necessary components to be an integral part of your team).