Madden 21 Franchise Mode Update: Release Date, Patch Notes, Trade Logic, X-Factor Customization, Draft Logic Improvements & more

By Brandon RidgelyUS Editor

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A new Madden 21 Franchise Mode Update has been announced, and gives some much needed changes to the game mode!

This will be the first major Madden 21 January Title Update, but it won't be the last.

Let's dive into what's coming for Madden 21 Franchise Mode in the new update.

Madden 21 Franchise Update

The second Madden 21 Franchise Update is coming. Here's what we know so far.

Release Date

The second Madden 21 Franchise Update will arrive on 7 January.

READ MORE: Madden 21 Spongebob Crossover: Is the Bubble Bowl coming to Madden?

While we don't have an official time for it to go live, we expect it will be around 1PM EST.

Patch Notes

The upcoming Madden 21 Franchise Update patch notes aren't official just yet, but we do have some insights into the changes that are coming.

Trade Logic Improvements

Improvements for player and draft pick evaluations are coming to create more authentic trades in Madden 21.

Madden 21 Franchise Mode Trade Logic Patch Notes Draft Logic
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SOMETHING ISN'T ADDING UP: Trade Logic has been a massive flaw in Franchise Mode for years

EA haven't given more specifics than this just yet on trade logic improvements, but as one of Madden 21 Franchise Mode's biggest and most noticeable issues, this is fantastic news.

EA are upfront that this won't be a magical overnight fix, but a step in the right direction that will be built upon over time.

READ MORE: Madden 21 Franchise Update Preview: Rating Previous Changes

Draft Logic Improvements

Madden 21 Franchise Mode AI have some issues, and one of the most noticeable in the long term is poor draft logic.

Madden 21 Franchise Update patch notes release date january draft logic
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A NEW LOOK: Madden 21 drafting will get some tuning up in the next Title Update

One of the biggest areas of improvement for Madden 21 Franchise draft logic will be in drafting QBs.

This is what EA have said about the upcoming draft logic changes in relation to QBs:

  • When a CPU team is on the clock, they will now deprioritize drafting a first round QB if:
  • Their current starting QB was a 1st round pick in the last two Drafts
  • Their current starting QB was a 2nd/3rd round pick in the last two Drafts
    • And has a Normal Dev and 72+ OVR
    • And has Star or higher Dev trait
  • Their current starting QB is a 94+ OVR
  • Their current starting QB is 87+ OVR and 32+ years old
  • Their current starting QB is 74+ OVR and < 29 years old
  • Their current backup QB is a Star or higher Dev Trait and < 28 years old

Lastly, if a team’s current starting QB is over 35, the team will consider drafting a replacement.

READ MORE: Madden 21 Ultimate Team: Mut 21 Team of the Year

Commissioner Controls

There are several new areas of improvement coming for Madden 21 Commissioner Controls.

Madden 21 Title Update Franchise Mode Commissioner Controls X-Factor Customization Draft
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TAKE CONTROL: Commissioner Controls will be massively expanded in the new Madden 21 Title Update

This includes the ability to undo FA signings in the offseason, limit players from choosing gameplay settings that affect performance, autopilot during drafts, expand on House Rules, and customize X-Factor Abilities.

READ MORE: Madden 21 Ratings: Roster Update Week 17 Predictions