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What does GAD mean in Madden 26? That’s a common question among new players jumping into this year’s NFL simulation game. GAD stands for “gadget,” which is a new type of position added to the game’s depth chart. This raises another question: what exactly is a gadget player in Madden 26? Keep reading for a full guide to understanding GAD players in Madden 26.
How GAD Works in Madden 26
GAD is short for “Gadget player,” and you can assign up to three of these to your team’s roster in both exhibition and franchise modes. Players placed in the GAD spot will operate there alongside their regular roles. Madden 26 includes special playbooks with unique plays and packages designed specifically for gadget players. It’s a good idea to try out different players—especially wide receivers and running backs—to see who fits your style best.
Top Madden 26 GAD Players
Some fans mistakenly point to Travis Hunter as a GAD player, but he’s actually a good example of a dual-position player with special stats at both wide receiver and cornerback. However, in Madden 26, teammate Travis Etienne Jr. performs better in the gadget role. A more fitting example is Deebo Samuel from the Commanders. With stats like 91 Speed, 80 Strength, 94 Ball Carrier Vision, and 86 Catching, Samuel is a tough player to stop all over the field. The best gadget player in Madden 26 is Saints tight end Taysom Hill, who’s a versatile ball carrier with experience playing as a quarterback and halfback.
Other New Madden 26 Depth Chart Positions
Along with GAD, there are several new positions to familiarize yourself with. The traditional defensive end spots (RE and LE) are replaced by newer designations called REDG and LEDG. Linebackers have also been renamed from MLB, ROLB, and LOLB to SAM, MIKE, and WIL. Long snappers now have their own position with the LS tag, and having a poor-rated one can cause issues with field goal snaps.
Drawbacks and Limitations of GAD in Madden 26
One important thing to keep in mind is fatigue. Since you can now have players like Hunter start at both wide receiver and cornerback, it’s easy to overuse them. EA explains that they’ve removed some restrictions on depth charts, so you’re free to line up players wherever you want, but playing them every snap can wear them down. This makes managing player stamina crucial. For tips on building strong teams and adjusting settings, check out our Madden 26 guides on best teams and gameplay sliders.
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