As the NFL offseason heats up and training camps loom on the horizon, speculation is swirling about who will be the next cover athlete for EA Sports’ Madden NFL 27. Last year, Saquon Barkley graced the cover, following Christian McCaffrey in a back-to-back running back trend. Will we see a three-peat for running backs, or could a wide receiver or defender finally break through after years of offensive dominance? Here are the top contenders making waves in the conversation.
Matthew Stafford: The MVP Contender
Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams is making a strong case for the cover after a stellar 2025 season. With 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, Stafford led the league and earned the Most Valuable Player award. His performance brought the Rams to the NFC Championship Game, just shy of a Super Bowl appearance. If selected, Stafford would be the first reigning MVP on the cover since Lamar Jackson in 2020, and he’s certainly deserving of the honor after carving out a potential Hall of Fame career.
Bijan Robinson: The Game-Changer
Next up is Bijan Robinson, the electrifying running back for the Atlanta Falcons. After leading the league with 2,298 scrimmage yards and showcasing his ability to break tackles and score from anywhere on the field, Robinson has become a fan favorite. His highlight-reel plays, including the longest run of the season at 93 yards, make him a prime candidate. If EA Sports opts for another running back, Robinson’s dynamic style could easily win over gamers.
Kenneth Walker III: The Super Bowl Star
Kenneth Walker III of the Kansas City Chiefs is another strong contender, especially after his Super Bowl MVP performance. Walker’s ability to make big plays and score touchdowns in crucial moments has made him a household name. With two 1,000-yard rushing seasons under his belt, he’s proven to be a consistent threat. If the Chiefs’ star is chosen, it would mark a significant moment for running backs, potentially making it three in a row.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The Rising Star
Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks is making waves as a top wide receiver candidate. After an impressive season where he led the league with 1,793 receiving yards and won Offensive Player of the Year, Smith-Njigba is poised to break the wide receiver drought on the cover. If selected, he would be the first wide receiver since 2018, and his quiet yet impactful style could resonate well with fans.
Myles Garrett: The Defensive Powerhouse
Finally, there’s Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, who could make history as the first defensive player on the cover since Richard Sherman in 2015. With a record-breaking 23 sacks last season and a second Defensive Player of the Year award, Garrett’s dominance on the field makes him a compelling choice. His selection would signal a shift back to defensive recognition in a league dominated by offensive stars.
As the anticipation builds for the official announcement, fans are left to wonder who will ultimately grace the cover of Madden NFL 27. With a mix of offensive and defensive talent in the running, EA Sports has plenty of exciting options to choose from!