What Week is the Trade Deadline in Madden 23 Franchise Mode?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The trade deadline in Madden NFL 23 franchise mode lands at Week 8 of the regular season by default. This key date falls right in the middle of the season, spurring CPU teams and savvy franchise owners to make win-now deals before time runs out.

But the deadline itself is flexible and can even be disabled entirely in the Settings for those who want more freedom. Let‘s break down everything you need to know about this pivotal point in franchise seasons.

When Can You Make Trades in Madden 23 Franchise?

First things first – trades in franchise mode can happen at any time on the calendar after you start up a league. But watch the countdown clock as that Week 8 deadline creeps closer! Here‘s what EA Community Manager Volstar had to say:

"Trades are available all season long up until that Week 8 deadline hits. So get your deals done early!"

The Trade Center can be accessed from the Home tab of the Franchise Hub once you‘re ready to wheel and deal.

Increased Trade Slots in Madden 23

Helpful improvements have been made to the trading block this year in Madden. Namely, the number of open trade slots at any given time has increased from 3 up to 6.

This gives franchise owners some much-needed extra flexibility to reshape their roster before the deadline. According to Official Madden Ratings Adjustor Steve Gibbons:

“Having 6 trades instead of 3 is huge. It really opens up possibilities for stacking assets or landing multiple impact players."

However, there are still a few rules governing what kinds of trades can fill those 6 slots:

  • Only 2 trades can involve draft picks
  • 2 more slots must swap players straight-up
  • Any additional pick-free trades are allowed after that

So in total – 2 draft pick deals, 2 player swaps, and 2 flex slots.

Madden 23 Franchise Trade Rules and Restrictions

The developers have implemented a series of restrictions around player ratings (OVR) and age in trades to keep things balanced. Deals must follow these rules to be approved:

OVR Restriction

  • Acquired players must have LOWER OVR than traded players
    • OR –
  • If higher OVR, acquired players must be over 30 years old

This stops franchise owners from snagging superstar 25-year-olds in unfair deals. There‘s some wiggle room for aging talents though.

Other Rules

  • CPU teams now value draft picks more reasonably
  • 5-Year NTC rule added for some veteran players
  • More examples of accepted/rejected deals shown

So in summary – the Week 8 deadline can motivate some frenzied trading, but parity is preserved thanks to restrictions based on ratings and age.

When Should You Trade in Madden 23 Franchise?

Between the 6 available slots and expanded logic around pick value, Madden 23 is the most trade-friendly entry in the series yet.

Sweeten Deals With Picks
Don‘t be afraid to offer up draft picks – even high ones – for the right player. The AI understands true pick value better now.

Buy Low, Sell High
Look for struggling teams to sell quality players on the cheap. Or cash in your assets at peak value by the deadline.

Rent Players on Expiring Deals
Make win-now moves for big name veterans in contract years without mortgaging the future.

Steal Disgruntled Stars
Keep an eye out for players requesting trades or soured relationships with coaches/teammates.

Analyzing a Realistic Madden 23 Franchise Deadline Deal

Let‘s look at an example trade that could reasonably happen by the Week 8 deadline:

The Packers trade:

  • WR Allen Lazard (78 OVR)
  • 2024 1st Round Pick

The Texans trade:

  • WR Brandin Cooks (83 OVR)

Madden 23 Trade Example

Why It Makes Sense

The Packers have championship aspirations and want another weapon opposite Davante Adams. Cooks is a field-stretching vet under team control through 2024.

Meanwhile, the Texans are rebuilding and happy take draft capital and give Lazard a shot as their WR1 for auditions.

This is the type of mutually beneficial midseason swap that unfolds in the NFL – and now more easily in Madden franchise modes too before that pivotal Week 8 deadline.

Can You Remove the Madden 23 Franchise Trade Deadline?

For franchise owners who want complete year-round freedom to make roster moves, the trade deadline can be disabled.

Simply head into the Franchise Settings and toggle the "Enable Trade Deadline" setting to OFF. No more countdown clock!

However, consider leaving it on for a more true-to-life franchise experience. The Week 8 rush puts strategy into play.

Either way, trades have never been better thanks to a friendlier interface, expanded logic, and more slots to fill. So pull up a seat in the Trade Center and get to dealing!

What blockbuster will you look to swing before the Madden 23 franchise trade deadline strikes?

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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