The strong safety is key to versatility in any defense on Madden 23. They somehow insert themselves into the game, going for unexpected blitzes, helping out linebackers on tackles, and fading left or right for a crafty pickoff. These are the best in the game for stopping opponents from breaking off big-time yardage. So in this guide, let's take a look at the best safeties who have the talented ones get put.
1. Tyrann Mathieu - SS - 94 OVR
Look, who doesn't love Tyrann Mathieu? He's been one of the league's top defenders for most of his career and has one of the coolest nicknames (Honey Badger!).
He has done nothing but set the position on fire since he's been in the league. He's made the last two Pro Bowls; the year before that, he won the Super Bowl with the Chiefs. He now joins a loaded Saints team who must believe they are one strong quarterback away from another Championship. If Mathieu plays like he did last year, New Orleans could see itself representing the NFC in the season's final game.
2. Derwin James Jr. - SS - 93 OVR
Derwin James was given a 93 overall rating, good for the second-highest rated safety in the entire game. Last season, James proved he's still the same incredible safety he used to be. He made his second Pro Bowl selection. With more weapons on defense for the Chargers than ever before, Los Angeles could see their "other" team win a title.
As it stands, James will be one of, if not the most, fun safety to utilize on the field. Whether you're covering the tight end, a slot receiver, or simply laying the boom on a pass-catcher who came over the middle, James will be there to make a play. It was a wise decision through U4gm to buy madden 23 coins to get him into your ultimate team.
3. Budda Baker - SS - 92 OVR
Budda Baker's leadership has been a big part of the Cardinals' comeback. The Cardinals continue to recruit veteran players, but Baker is the force that has built the team.
Baker has been to the Pro Bowl in four seasons in a row, including the last three in a row. Divisional opponents who hoped that Baker would become weaker have been greatly disappointed.
4. Kevin Byard - FS - 92 OVR
Kevin Byard, who has 23 career interceptions heading into his seventh season, was the highest graded safety by Pro Football Focus in 2021 and received the highest cover grade for a safety (90.9). He's started in every game since 2017 and appeared all over the secondary, including closer to the box, which helped him record 111 tackles in 2020.
Byard has led the NFL in interceptions before and made the Pro Bowl last year. He didn't become the top-ranked free safety by accident.
5. Justin Simmons - FS - 91 OVR
Justin Simmons is the 5th best safety in Madden 23 with a 91 rating. His score is buoyed by ratings of 91, 95, 92, 96 and 93 in acceleration, agility, awareness, jumping and play recognition, respectively.
Simmons has shaken off the early rust and is now playing the position as it was meant to be played. In the last three years, Simmons has either been second-team All-Pro or in the Pro Bowl itself. With the Broncos' offense looking secure, Simmons will get a chance to splash on that ball's side.
Madden 23 offers you the chance to use your defense as strategically as possible, and these best safeties help you accomplish that. "defense wins championships." Having a well-skilled ball hawk deep in the secondary is a great counter against the top quarterbacks in the game.