A very unique problem is threatening the 2020 NFL season, and Madden 21 could be affected. That problem is players opting out of the season due to COVID-19.
This raises the question, how will Madden address players opting out of the 2020 season?
Players Opting Out
While the opt outs started slowly, they're starting to pick up pace, and the list includes some very important players.
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So far the team most affected is the New England Patriots, who will reportedly be losing Patrick Chung, Dont'a Hightower, and more for the 2020 NFL season.
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With so many high profile players already opting out, we imagine this will only become more common before opening day.
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That leaves the NFL in a bind, and Madden 21 in one as well.
How will Madden 21 Address Opt Outs?
Whether or not Madden 21 addresses the opt outs in its active roster, this begs the question of whether it should be something included in Franchise Mode or other game modes.
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Because of the massive impact of Covid-19 on the world today, and its projected impact for a long time to come, there could be arguments that not including some mention of it is inauthentic.
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And Madden 21 so far is working its way more and more toward authenticity.
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If players do indeed opt out of the 2020 NFL season and it proceeds, the game would have to include current rosters.
Time will tell how EA approach this quagmire, but for now, we can't imagine they'll be able to ignore it.
Which players have opted out of the NFL season?
There have been a very large number of players electing to opt out of the upcoming NFL season so far.
This list is up to date as of 5 August, but more come in every day.
Player | Position | Team |
---|---|---|
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif | RG | Kansas City Chiefs |
De'Anthony Thomas | WR | Baltimore Ravens |
Chance Warmack | RG | Seattle Seahawks |
Maurice Canady | CB | Dallas Cowboys |
Caleb Brantley | DL | Washington Football Team |
Najee Toran | C/G | New England Patriots |
Danny Vitale | FB | New England Patriots |
Marcus Cannon | OT | New England Patriots |
Brandon Bolden | RB | New England Patriots |
Dont'a Hightower | LB | New England Patriots |
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