Madden 26: Anthony Richardson Is the Best Budget Quarterback

When new cards drop in Madden Ultimate Team, the spotlight usually shines on the flashy LTDs, high-overall legends, or superstar names that dominate weekend programs. But every so often, a card quietly arrives that completely shifts how players build their lineups-offering elite performance at a fraction of the usual cost. In Madden 26, that card is none other than 85 overall Anthony Richardson.

At first glance, an 85 OVR quarterback might not seem like a game-changer. However, as players began testing him out, word spread quickly: this card is a budget monster. Selling for roughly 100,000 Madden 26 coins on the auction house, Richardson provides a rare mix of top-end mobility, deep-throw potential, and consistency in both pocket and rollout situations. He doesn't just feel like a temporary stopgap-he feels like a starter that can anchor your team well into the season.

Why Anthony Richardson's 85 OVR Card Is a Hidden Gem

Anthony Richardson's real-life potential has always revolved around his athletic upside and cannon of an arm, and EA Sports translated those strengths beautifully into his Madden 26 card. The developers nailed the formula for what makes a quarterback exciting to use, even when they aren't sitting at a 90+ overall rating.

Here's what makes Richardson stand out:

Speed and Acceleration: At around 86 speed and 88 acceleration, Richardson can escape collapsing pockets with ease. Whether you're running read options, QB draws, or simply extending plays, he feels as explosive as some of the elite scrambling quarterbacks.

Throw Power: With 92 throw power, Richardson can effortlessly push the ball downfield. This allows players to stretch defenses vertically, creating mismatches and keeping opponents honest.

Release and Mechanics: Many budget QBs suffer from slow, clunky throwing animations. Richardson, however, has one of the smoothest releases among his tier. His motion feels crisp and fast, letting you get the ball out before blitzers collapse the pocket.

Throw on the Run: With ratings in the mid-80s for throw-on-the-run and play action, he's built for improvisation. Rollouts, bootlegs, and extended plays feel fluid, giving him an edge over traditional pocket passers.

These attributes make him far more than just a cheap starter-he's a legitimate offensive weapon.

A Perfect Fit for Multiple Offensive Schemes

What makes Richardson even more appealing is how flexible he is across offensive schemes. Many budget QBs pigeonhole you into one specific playstyle-perhaps they're accurate but slow, or fast but inconsistent. Richardson manages to strike a rare balance.

For Scramblers: His mobility turns broken plays into highlight reels. You can roll out of pressure, pick up chunk yardage on the ground, or hit crossers while on the move.

For Pocket Passers: Thanks to his high throw power and solid short-to-medium accuracy, he's more than capable of running timing-based offenses and quick-pass schemes.

For Balanced Playbooks: He thrives in playbooks like the Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, or Indianapolis Colts, which allow for both read options and vertical shots downfield.

Even players who prefer a West Coast system will find his release and accuracy more than serviceable for quick slants, drags, and RPO concepts.

Comparing Richardson to Higher-Tier Quarterbacks

Let's put Richardson's value into perspective. When compared to premium options like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, or Lamar Jackson, the gap in performance isn't nearly as large as the price suggests.

While a 91 OVR Josh Allen might cost 700K+ coins, the 85 OVR Anthony Richardson can deliver 80–85% of the same on-field output at nearly one-seventh of the cost. His deep ball accuracy, scrambling efficiency, and release speed mean that most casual and even competitive players won't feel drastically handicapped using him.

This makes him especially appealing for No Money Spent (NMS) players. In the early stages of the Madden Ultimate Team cycle, every coin counts, and investing in a quarterback who performs like a superstar without costing elite-tier coins is invaluable.

How to Maximize Anthony Richardson's Potential

To get the most out of Richardson, you'll want to tailor your playbook and abilities around his strengths:

Equip the Right Abilities:

Depending on your unlocks, Quickdraw and Escape Artist (if available in your version) are ideal. Quickdraw speeds up his release, while Escape Artist enhances his mobility-creating a perfect storm of pressure evasion and improvisation.

Use Play Action and RPOs:

Richardson's high play-action rating and mobility make him lethal on plays that fake the run. RPO concepts, in particular, exploit defenders who overcommit, giving you the freedom to pass or scramble based on defensive reaction.

Design Bootlegs and Rollouts:

Richardson shines outside the pocket. Moving the launch point helps negate pressure and lets you take advantage of his throw-on-the-run accuracy.

Lean on Deep Routes:

His 92 throw power shouldn't go to waste. Incorporate deep posts, corners, and streaks to stretch defenses and open up short-yardage options underneath.

A Game-Changer for Budget Teams

Madden Ultimate Team has always had an underlying challenge: balancing competitiveness with affordability. Anthony Richardson's 85 OVR card solves that dilemma. He's not just a temporary fix-he's a foundation piece that can carry your team through multiple competitive phases of the game.

Players who have tested him across Head-to-Head and Solo Battles report that he feels faster, more responsive, and more powerful than his rating suggests. Even top-tier defenses struggle to contain his combination of speed and arm strength.

Whether you're a casual player looking to enjoy dynamic gameplay or a competitive grinder aiming to save coins for other roster spots, Richardson's card fits perfectly into nearly every lineup.

Final Thoughts

In Madden 26, finding value is often just as important as finding talent. While legends and 90+ OVR quarterbacks grab headlines, it's players like Anthony Richardson who quietly redefine the game's economy. His card is a testament to how good budget builds can feel this year-smooth, explosive, and capable of competing with the best.
For around 100K Mut coins, you're getting a quarterback who can do it all: throw lasers, outrun linebackers, and make clutch plays when the game is on the line. If you're building a squad on a budget, don't overlook him-because in Madden 26, Anthony Richardson isn't just a cheap option; he's the best value quarterback in the game.