If you’re looking for the best player to user in Madden 26 Ultimate Team (MUT 26)-whether you’ve got 25,000 coins or 2 million-this guide breaks down your top options at every price point. Choosing the right user defender can completely change how your defense plays. From locking down crossing routes to baiting opponents into bad throws, your user is the heartbeat of your defense. And if you’re trying to speed up your progress or build a stacked roster early, you can buy Madden 26 coins to secure some of these top-tier players faster. Popular Stranger’s in-depth breakdown shows the best options across both linebacker and safety positions, including free rewards and elite-level monsters that dominate every game mode.

Best Free Users in MUT 26

Let’s start with players you can add without spending a single coin.

Linebackers:
The Most Feared Ryan Shazier remains one of the most underrated free users in the game. At 6’1” with 89 base speed, he hits 91–92 speed with the right strategy items and team chem boosts. His 87 tackle, 84 zone, and 84 block shed make him a reliable hybrid between run-stopper and coverage defender. Even without abilities, Shazier’s animations and speed keep him viable deep into the MUT season.

If you managed to complete ranked seasons in August or September, Ranked Ted Hendricks is another standout. At 6’7” with solid coverage stats and 86 speed, he’s a nightmare for quarterbacks trying to throw over the middle. His size gives you unmatched lurk range, and with Lurk Artist (2 AP), he becomes even more dangerous.

Safeties:
For those who prefer usering safeties, Tyler Nubin (Shape Shifter) and MCS Trisha McCullum are top-tier free choices. Nubin’s 6’3” frame and 90 base speed make him a perfect sub-linebacker, and with all 32 team chems plus strategy boosts, he easily breaks into the mid-90s for zone and tackle ratings. McCullum, though slightly weaker in hit power, brings great man coverage, acceleration, and height to make plays over the middle.

Best Users Under 100,000 Coins

Under 50K:
Two breakout promo cards stand out-Cedric Gray (MLB) and Cole Bishop (FS). With the Breakouts strategy item, both hit 88–89 speed and offer impressive all-around balance. Gray’s 90 zone and 90 hit power make him perfect for users in nickel or dime, while Bishop’s speed and size give him flexibility as either a deep safety or a sub-linebacker. Both cards hover around 25,000 coins, making them perfect for budget squads.

Under 100K:
Chris Board (Team Builders) headlines the linebacker group. At 6’2” with 87 speed and 90 tackle, he’s an excellent mid-tier user. He also gets Giants, Ravens, and Lions chems-great for team boosts-and Lurk Artist for 2 AP.
At safety, Caleb Ransaw (Team Builders) offers versatility with 89 speed, 90 acceleration, and solid coverage ratings for around 87,000 coins.

Users Under 200K–300K

At this range, you’re getting near-elite speed and complete utility.

Edin Cooper (Breakouts) gives you one of the most balanced users under 150K. With 89 speed, 91 acceleration, and 90 zone coverage with the Breakouts strategy item, he’s an every-down monster.
For safeties, Redux Taylor Mays is your best bet at around 170K. At 6’3”, 88 speed, and 92 hit power, Mays is an ideal sub-linebacker-especially for Raiders or Bucs theme teams.

For slightly more, Most Feared Kaden Ellis (90 OVR) at 245K offers 87 speed, 90 block shed, and Lurk Artist access-still a top-tier linebacker for under 300K.

Users Under 400K–500K

For safeties, Ify Melifonwu (Syracuse Legend) dominates this range. At 6’3” with 90 speed and 92 zone, he’s an interception machine. Though his tackle and hit power are modest, his coverage and reach make up for it.

At linebacker, Team of the Week Drake Thomas (430K) is a compact but elite user. Despite his 5’11” height, his 92 acceleration, 94 hit power, and 91 zone make him dangerous. He’s also redeemable via Spotlight Tokens for free.

For safeties, Team of the Week Jamal Adams (440K) is another excellent option. He fits multiple team chemistries, boasts 90 speed, 91 hit power, and 89 man coverage-making him deadly both up top or in the box.

The Best Users in Madden 26, Regardless of Price

At the elite tier, two names stand out on defense: Carson Sweetinger and Steve Atwater.

Breakouts Carson Sweetinger (91 OVR) is the perfect all-around linebacker. At 6’3” with 88–89 speed, 93 hit power, and 91 zone, he’s dominant against both the pass and run. He’s currently around 645K and worth every coin for competitive players.

For safeties, Legend Steve Atwater (LTD) is the best user in MUT 26. At 6’3”, 90 speed, and 93 hit power, he’s a true enforcer whether you user him or let him roam deep. He’ll cost over 1.4 million coins, but if you’re looking for the best of the best-this is your guy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re rocking a no-money-spent lineup or an all-God Squad roster, there’s a perfect user for your defense in Madden 26. From Ryan Shazier and Nubin on the budget end to Sweetinger and Atwater at the top, every player brings a unique combination of speed, height, and coverage ability. If you’re trying to build your dream team faster, consider picking up cheap Madden 26 coins to grab some of these elite defenders without the grind. Experiment with sub-linebacker packages, use strategy items to boost key stats, and find the defender who fits your scheme best. Master your user-and your defense will dominate every game.