Everyone's favorite $60 roster update is right around the corner with Madden NFL 24 set to release on August 15. For those wondering if they should make the investment, it might be worth the price of admission if you're a Florida State or LA Chargers fan.
EA Sports is providing an early look at some of the top-rated players at their respective positions ahead of the game's debut. On Monday, it was revealed on social media that former Seminole and current Chargers' All-Pro Derwin James is ranked as the No. 1 safety in Madden NFL 24.
James will start off the season with a 95 overall rating which is two points higher than Pittsburgh Steelers star Minkah Fitzpatrick (93).
Denver's Justin Simmons (92), Tennessee's Kevin Byard (92), Cincinnati's Jessie Bates III (91), New Orleans' Tyrann Mathieu (91), Arizona's Budda Baker (90), Buffalo's Jordan Poyer (90), Minnesota's Harrison Smith (90), and Buffalo's Micah Hyde (89) round out the list.
Entering his sixth year in the NFL, James is already the highest-paid safety in league history after signing a four-year/$76.4 million extension in 2022. He's recorded 233 overall tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks, five forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 11 pass deflections over the past two seasons. A three-time Pro Bowler (2018, 2021, 2022), James was named First-Team All-Pro in 2018 and Second-Team All-Pro in 2022.
Prior to his time at the professional level, James starred in Tallahassee for three years. He totaled 186 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 15 pass deflections, three interceptions, and one defensive touchdown with the Seminoles. He was a 2017 First-Team All-American and 2017 First-Team All-ACC selection prior to foregoing the remainder of his college eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.
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