Madden 26 is just around the corner, and it's shaping up to be a monumental release for Franchise mode. For years, fans have begged EA to breathe new life into this fan-favorite mode, and now it looks like their prayers have been answered. With major improvements on the way, Madden 26 might just deliver the most immersive Franchise experience in over a decade.
Of course, with a fresh Franchise save comes the age-old question: which team should you rebuild? For many players, the fun isn't in picking a powerhouse like the Chiefs, but rather in taking a struggling franchise and turning it into a dynasty.
To qualify as a true “rebuild” team, we're looking at squads that:
· They aren't rated among the league's elite,
· Have missed the playoffs in at least one of the past three years,
· And haven't tasted much success recently.
In short, these are bad teams with big holes, the type of teams you'll need to put in the work to transform. Sorry, Saints fans, but your squad is officially on the list.
With that in mind, let's break down the five best rebuild teams in Madden 26 Franchise mode.
1. Tennessee Titans
The Titans were flat-out awful in 2024, finishing with one of the league's worst offenses. Their passing game was inconsistent, their run game disappeared at times, and their defense couldn't stop the run or consistently pressure the quarterback.
The silver lining? Rookie quarterback Cam Ward. While it's unrealistic to expect him to drag this roster to the playoffs immediately, he's already a clear upgrade over Will Levis and gives you a potential franchise cornerstone.
Rebuilding the Titans in Madden 26 means surrounding Ward with weapons and completely retooling a defense that's begging for playmakers. If you like the idea of molding a young QB into a star while slowly upgrading every other area of the roster, Tennessee is the perfect challenge.
2. New York Giants
The Giants are officially in rebuild mode. The Daniel Jones experiment failed, and after losing Saquon Barkley in free agency, the team hit the reset button.
In 2024, the Giants were one of the worst scoring teams in the NFL despite ranking top 10 in time of possession. Their defense wasn't much better, though the defensive line looks promising, with some projecting it to be one of the best units in football in 2025.
This rebuild is a balancing act: you'll need to find a franchise quarterback, build an offense around Malik Nabers, and hold your defensive core together long enough to compete in the NFC East. If you're looking for a long-term project in Madden 26, the Giants offer both frustration and opportunity in equal measure.
3. New York Jets
If the Giants' struggles were disappointing, the Jets' collapse was downright brutal. After all the hype surrounding Aaron Rodgers, New York's playoff drought stretched to 14 years—and likely 15 with no Rodgers under center in 2025.
The Jets still have a defense that can be elite, but their offense is a disaster. The quarterback position is wide open, and outside of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, the unit lacks firepower.
This is one of the most exciting rebuilds in Madden 26. Not only do you get the chance to end one of the NFL's longest playoff droughts, but you also have to make tough choices to keep star defenders while fixing an anemic offense. The Jets are a rebuild with real stakes, making them perfect for Franchise grinders.
4. Carolina Panthers
Few teams are in a worse spot than the Panthers. Their defense was dreadful in 2024, and the offense wasn't much better. Bryce Young showed flashes, but questions remain about whether he's truly the answer at quarterback.
In Madden 26, the Panthers present a brutally difficult rebuild. The offensive line is one of the weakest in football, and outside of rookie wideout Xavier Legette, the skill positions are barren. On defense, nearly every level needs reinforcements.
This is the “hard mode” rebuild. Whether you commit to Bryce Young or look elsewhere, you'll need multiple seasons of savvy drafting and free agency work to build this team into a competitor. If you like a real uphill battle, the Panthers are for you.
5. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are finally admitting what fans already knew: it's time to rebuild. With an aging roster, a shaky quarterback situation, and Alvin Kamara nearing the end of his prime, this team is closer to the bottom than the top.
The defense still has strengths—especially against the run—but the secondary needs major work. On offense, the Saints need to identify a new quarterback, add explosive receivers, and find a successor to Kamara.
The good news? The NFC South is weak. A couple of smart offseasons could have the Saints competing for the division crown. The bad news? You'll need to rip apart and reassemble the core before you get there.
Final Thoughts
Franchise mode in Madden 26 is shaping up to be the best it's been in years, and rebuilding one of these five teams will be one of the most rewarding challenges in the game. Whether you want the “young QB with potential” route of the Titans, the “find a new franchise QB” challenge of the Giants, or the “total roster overhaul” of the Panthers, Madden 26 offers something for every Franchise fan.
Which team are you planning to rebuild first?
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