When it comes to Most Valuable Player, it’s a discussion dominated by quarterbacks. And for good reason. After all, quarterback is the most important position in football.
In fact, the last 11 NFL MVPs have been quarterbacks. The last non-QB to win the award was Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in 2012. But there are other players on the field also deserving of recognition, which makes for an interesting discussion about the most important player on each team (outside of QB).
From Kansas City’s Travis Kelce to Miami’s Tyreek Hill, our NFL Wire editors identified every team’s non-quarterback MVP heading into the 2024 season.
1
Arizona Cardinals: RB James Conner
This was a tough call because tight end Trey McBride had the breakout season last year and, based on his per-game production over the final 10 games of the season, he could be a 100-catch tight end. However, Conner is the choice because of how important his play is to the offense overall. A healthy Conner means a strong run game, which was essential to Arizona’s offense. It should be no surprise that once he got hurt last year that QB Josh Dobbs suddenly went from surprisingly okay to not good at all. Conner is the engine to the offense. With Kyler Murray healthy, Conner’s play will open up the passing offense, giving McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. opportunities to put up big numbers. – Jess Root, Cards Wire
2
Atlanta Falcons: RB Bijan Robinson
Robinson was as good as advertised during his rookie season, but the team’s lack of offensive balance limited his impact. The No. 8 pick in last year’s draft rushed for 976 yards and four touchdowns, adding 58 catches for 487 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions. After signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, the Falcons offense is ready to take off in 2024. Opposing defenses will be forced to respect the passing game, which will create more space for Robinson to do damage this season. If things go well, don’t be surprised to hear the second-year running back mentioned as a dark horse MVP candidate. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire
3
Baltimore Ravens: RB Derrick Henry
Baltimore got their guy in free agency, signing the powerful running back to a two-year deal. In 2023, Henry rushed for 1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on a 4.2 yards per carry average, earning a 90.1 PFF grade—the third highest among NFL running backs. He’ll cede rushing attempts to Lamar Jackson, keeping both players fresher for the long haul. Henry is now 30 years old, but he’s still accounted for nearly 10,000 rushing yards since 2016 and should take some of the wear and tear away from quarterback Lamar Jackson while forcing opposing defenses to play eight in the box. – Glenn Erby, Ravens Wire
4
Buffalo Bills: TE Dalton Kincaid
As a first-round rookie in 2023, Kincaid came along slowly in the Bills offense. Toward the end of the year, signs of his true potential started to shine through. While many are questioning where Buffalo will go to replace the likes of Stefon Diggs and other losses in the receiver room, it’s likely not even going to be a wideout. Kincaid should get every opportunity to be a top playmaker as a tight end moving forward. – Nick Wojton, Bills Wire
5
Carolina Panthers: CB Jaycee Horn
The Panthers defense is a very different unit when Horn is on the field. Let’s just take last year, for instance. While he was on the shelf with a hamstring injury from Weeks 2 to 12, Carolina averaged an overall defensive grade of 61.4 from Pro Football Focus. In the five games he played in after his return, the group’s average shot up to 73.6. Plus, his role as their No. 1 corner will be even heavier in 2024 considering the lack of depth and experience behind him. (How many of you are familiar with Dane Jackson, D’Shawn Jamison and/or Dicaprio Bootle?) But can Horn, who has missed 29 of a possible 51 games since entering the NFL, stay healthy to fortify his defense and solidify himself as one of the top players at his position? – Anthony Rizzuti, Panthers Wire
6
Chicago Bears: DE Montez Sweat
The Bears don’t have a clear-cut MVP on the roster, but they have several guys who could easily emerge as the team’s best player this season, including Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson and receiver DJ Moore. But I’m giving the edge to Pro Bowl defensive end Montez Sweat, whose presence at the trade deadline last season impacted Chicago’s defense in a massive way, as they went from one of the worst to one of the best defenses in the league. Sweat had a career year, where he totaled 12.5 sacks (third in the NFC). He led both the Bears (6.0) and Commanders (6.5) in sacks last season, becoming the first player to accomplish the feat in NFL history. Sweat will once again be tasked with leading a Bears pass rush littered with questions, outside of him, as Chicago’s defense looks to establish itself as a top-10 unit in the league. If this Bears defense takes off in 2024, Sweat will play a big role in their success. – Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire
7
Cincinnati Bengals: DE Trey Hendrickson
Ja’Marr Chase is an obvious one, yet the offense can still move with Joe Burrow directing it. The defense isn’t nearly as versatile or threatening without Hendrickson, though. He’s put up 35-plus pressures in each of his three seasons with the Bengals and had 17.5 sacks over 17 games last year, with much of his production coming while the rest of the unit struggled to pressure consistently. He’s a core piece of why Lou Anarumo can vary up his looks and gives the team the best chance of fielding an elite defense. – Chris Roling, Bengals Wire
8
Cleveland Browns: DE Myles Garrett
Before last season, RB Nick Chubb had a strong case for this title, but then the Browns won 10 games after he went down in Week 2. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year is an easy call here. DE Myles Garrett continues to wreak havoc on a consistent basis. No player in the NFL draws as much attention as he does from a gameplanning perspective on the defensive side of the ball the way that Garrett does. Consistently racking up double-digit sack seasons, Garrett is one-of-one and is not a replaceable player on the football field. – Cory Kinnan, Browns Wire
9
Dallas Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith
The easy answer would be Micah Parsons. The fourth-year edge rusher had finished top-three in defensive offer of the year annually and is a menace to all offensive lineman. Thinking outside the box though, it may just be Smith. With the departure of Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, the young All-Pro will bring along rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe on each side. If Dallas is able to continue their streak of double-digit win seasons, it will be because Smith was monstrous. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
10
Denver Broncos: CB Pat Surtain
It’s hard to pick anyone other than cornerback Pat Surtain for the Broncos because he is their best – and most valuable – player by a wide margin. PS2 had somewhat of a down year last season by his standards, but he’s still one of the best CBs in the league. Surtain would be impossible to replace, and it’s possible that he could end up being the team’s overall MVP this fall regardless of whether or not QBs are eligible. On offense, the team’s non-QB MVP will likely be fourth-year offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz. He has emerged as one of the NFL’s top guards and will be key to Denver’s success both in the ground game and passing attack this fall. – Jon Heath, Broncos Wire
11
Detroit Lions: DE Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson enters his third season on the precipice of being one of the NFL’s most impactful pass rushers. If the Lions defense is to make a sizable jump forward, Hutchinson has to produce like he’s an elite performer. Detroit doesn’t have anyone else who impacts the opposing offense or offers the diverse skills at EDGE that Hutchinson brings. Power, speed, technique, effort–Hutchinson offers the complete package. If he’s not great, it’s hard to see the Lions defense being much better despite the numerous offseason upgrades in the secondary. – Jeff Risdon, Lions Wire
12
Green Bay Packers: DL Kenny Clark
No one on offense was seriously considered, but a convincing case could be made for Clark, cornerback Jaire Alexander, edge rusher Rashan Gary and safety Xavier McKinney. While Gary has a chance to ascend to the elite tier of rushers, Alexander is a two-time All-Pro at corner and McKinney is the big-time free-agent addition, we picked Clark – who led the team in pressures and snaps played by defensive front players last season. More and more, disruption from the interior is increasing in value, and Clark has been one of the more consistent interior pass-rushers of the last decade despite playing in a 3-4 base scheme. Now, he’s transitioning to playing a more attacking position in Jeff Hafley’s 4-3. In a contract year, Clark’s big-play production could explode. It’s possible he could approach or even exceed 10 sacks in a scheme that will finally unleash all his pass-rushing talents. – Zach Kruse, Packers Wire
13
Houston Texans: DE Will Anderson Jr.
While C.J. Stroud is the centerpiece of the Texans’ rebuild, Anderson is a close second. Last season en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, the former No. 3 overall pick was learning to play defensive end for the first time in his career. After he mastered the basics, Anderson proceeded to tie J.J. Watt’s franchise rookie sack record. He also helped Houston claim its first division title in four years. Even with the addition of Danielle Hunter, Anderson’s potential remains a mystery heading into Year 2, but he spent time working drills with All-Pro Myles Garrett. Much like Anderson, Garrett totaled seven sacks as a rookie before racking up 13 the following season. Could the same happen for the former Alabama star? – Cole Thompson, Texans Wire
14
Indianapolis Colts: RB Jonathan Taylor
After appearing in just 21 total games the last two seasons, a healthy bounce-back year for Jonathan Taylor will be an important part of Anthony Richardson’s success with a strong run game being a young quarterback’s best friend. Being able to move the ball on the ground keeps the offense out of predictable passing situations and opens up both the playbook for Shane Steichen as a play-caller, as well as opportunities in the passing game. With Taylor fully healthy this offseason, GM Chris Ballard believes a “really big year” is in store for him. Contributing to Taylor’s potential success will be playing behind a top offensive line unit, sharing the backfield with Richardson–the duo was on the field together for only two snaps in 2023–and added playmaking at receiver. – Paul Bretl, Colts Wire
15
Jacksonville Jaguars: C Mitch Morse
There are more than a few worthy candidates for Jacksonville’s most valuable player not named Trevor Lawrence, and a recently-signed center in the back half of his career might not be the first that comes to mind. However, the potential impact of Morse’s acquisition can not be overstated. He’ll replace two-year Jaguars starter and former third-round pick Luke Fortner, whose 44.3 PFF offensive grade ranked No. 56 of 57 NFL centers who logged at least one snap in 2023. Morse ranked No. 22 with a 64.5 mark, an average grade but a significant upgrade that should help stabilize the Jaguars’ front five. He offers 13 starts worth of postseason experience; the rest of Jacksonville’s starting line has combined for eight. – Zach Goodall, Jaguars Wire
16
Kansas City Chiefs: TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce is, for all intents and purposes, the heart and soul of Kansas City’s locker room, and has been among the Chiefs’ most productive pass-catchers during the Patrick Mahomes era. The only thing that can keep Kelce from fulfilling his role as Mahomes’ top option in Andy Reid’s offense will be the impact of his age at an ever-more demanding position. For his part, Kelce has shown no signs of slowing down and should be primed for one of the best seasons of his career in Kansas City’s new-look air attack. – John Dillon, Chiefs Wire
17
Las Vegas Raiders: DE Maxx Crosby
Even if you included quarterbacks, Maxx Crosby would be the name here for the Las Vegas Raiders. Not only is he the best player on the roster, but he is the heart and soul of the team. Crosby’s attitude, leadership, and effort bleeds through the entire team and without him, there is no telling how bad the Raiders might be. Davante Adams and Kolton Miller both received consideration for this spot, but Crosby was a relatively easy choice. – Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire
18
Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Khalil Mack
After considering retiring following the Chargers’ playoff collapse to the Jaguars, Mack had one of the best years of his career in his 10th NFL season. He set a career-high in sacks for a season with 17 and became the 43rd player in NFL history to hit the 100-sack mark. For his efforts, he was named to his eighth Pro Bowl. Even at age 33, Mack is still playing at a high level. And we can expect him to be integral in Jesse Minter’s defense this season. – Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire
19
Los Angeles Rams: WR Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp is coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons since being the Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, but that’s largely due to injury. Kupp has gone from being the most productive receiver in the league to being seen as the No. 2 option on his own team. He and Puka Nacua are both essential pieces of the Rams offense but when healthy, I’ll give Kupp the slight edge. Not to discount Nacua’s impact, but Kupp is a terrific route runner, has excellent hands and knows how to win one-on-one in the slot. Now that he’s fully recovered from the injuries that hampered him last season, Kupp should be in for a bounce-back year. The Rams would be a very different offense without him on the field in 2024 because of how valuable he is in the red zone, as a blocker and on underneath passes. Plus, his connection with Matthew Stafford is second to none, both on the field and in meeting rooms. – Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire
20
Miami Dolphins: WR Tyreek Hill
In each of Hill’s two seasons with the Dolphins, he’s recorded at least 1,700 receiving yards, becoming the first player in NFL history to eclipse that mark twice in a career, let alone in back-to-back years. The high-flying Miami offense of Mike McDaniel aims to get the ball in the hands of playmakers in space and let them work. Nobody is more well-suited for that offensive approach than Hill, who can turn the slightest window into a game-changing highlight. While the Dolphins offense features plenty of other playmakers, there’s no player more crucial to maintaining its explosiveness than Hill. – Adam Stites, Dolphins Wire
21
Minnesota Vikings: LB Blake Cashman
There are so many more obvious or easier choices, such as Justin Jefferson, Harrison Smith, or even Jonathan Greenard. When we look at the defense, though, it will be working extra hard in 2024 as the team figures out the quarterback position. The team saw the linebacker group as a weakness on defense and brought in two big free agents Blake Cashman and Andrew Van Ginkel. Cashman is the one I believe is going to help this entire defense take the next step. The entire NFC North is loaded at the running back position, and stopping the run will be critical for any success they can hope for in 2024. This is also a homecoming for Cashman after playing in Houston to start his career, that added motivation could get Cashman to end up with a career year by the end of the season. – Andrew Harbaugh, Vikings Wire
22
New England Patriots: DT Christian Barmore
There’s a reason why the Patriots gave defensive tackle Christian Barmore the largest non-Tom Brady contract in franchise history. He was a moving freight train along the defensive front in 2023 with 8.5 sacks, six pass deflections and one forced fumble. It won’t be much longer before he is talked about as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Not even the putrid offensive play in New England can dim this 24-year-old’s shine. – Jordy McElroy, Patriots Wire
23
New Orleans Saints: WR Chris Olave
Olave is the best player on the team, or he at least has the best combination of proven production and untapped potential. He’s been the Saints’ primary target on offense in each of his first two seasons, and Klint Kubiak taking over as play caller should do a lot to help him reach the next level. Olave has converted 105 first downs through two years (ranking 15th among wide receivers) but he’s left enough meat on the bone to where he could be a top-10 wideout if he continues to improve. He’s put in the work this offseason to gain more muscle, catch more contested passes, and make more plays after the catch. Now we need to see the fruits of that labor. – John Sigler, Saints Wire
24
New York Giants: NT Dexter Lawrence
Even before Aaron Donald made his retirement official, an argument could have been made that Dexter Lawrence had taken over the throne as the NFL’s top interior defensive lineman. Sexy Dexy’s combination of size, speed, power, and athleticism is unmatched, especially at the nose tackle position. He’s developed into a complete game-wrecking machine, capable of beating double- and triple-teams with seeming ease and joy. With the addition of Brian Burns and the continued presence of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Bobby Okereke, Lawrence is poised to have one of the most productive seasons ever for an interior D-lineman in 2024. – Dan Benton, Giants Wire
25
New York Jets: CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner
Given that we really don’t know what Aaron Rodgers will look like after missing a full season minus four plays in 2023, and coming into his age-41 season in 2024, it could be that Gardner will be the Jets’ overall MVP on a no-matter-what basis. He certainly was in 2023, though most didn’t notice it because of the turmoil elsewhere. In just his second NFL season, Gardner made a credible claim as the NFL’s best cornerback. In 2023, Gardner allowed 29 catches on 51 targets for 251 yards, 90 yards after the catch, one touchdown, no interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 76.5 – matched up more often than not against the opposing team’s best receiver. Hopefully, the Jets will have enough of an offense in 2024 to make the most of one of the NFL’s best defenses – and Gardner should continue to lead the way on that side of the ball. – Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire
26
Philadelphia Eagles: RB Saquon Barkley
Nothing helps a quarterback regain his swagger like a talented, dual-threat running back who can be a home run threat on all three downs. Barkley played six seasons with the Eagles’ NFC East rival. In 74 career games with New York, the 27-year-old rushed 1,201 times for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns. Barkley was also a weapon in the passing game, tallying 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’ll now give Jalen Hurts and the Eagles a dynamic, three-down running back that should flourish in Kellen Moore’s offensive system while opening things up for A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. – Glenn Erby, Eagles Wire
27
Pittsburgh Steelers: EDGE T.J. Watt
So goes T.J. Watt, and so goes the Steelers defense. When you talk about value, no player means more to any defense than Watt does to Pittsburgh’s. He’s the best pass rusher in the NFL but is so much more than that. Even on plays where Watt isn’t the finisher, he commands so much attention that it allows the rest of his defense to work clean and make plays. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire
28
San Francisco 49ers: RB Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey finished ahead of QB Brock Purdy in the actual MVP voting last year en route to an Offensive Player of the Year award. He likely would’ve been the choice for team MVP even without the ‘non-QB’ caveat. McCaffrey’s insertion into the 49ers’ offense has turned Kyle Shanahan’s group into a juggernaut as they maximize the ‘positionless’ football that kicked into high gear with wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s arrival. Expect another heavy workload for McCaffrey this season as both a runner and receiver, and even if Purdy has another MVP-caliber season, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year will likely be at the forefront of San Francisco’s success. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire
29
Seattle Seahawks: RB Kenneth Walker III
Historically speaking, the best Seahawks teams in franchise history have been defined by a punishing ground attack and great defensive play. While Seattle still has a ways to go on the defensive side of things, they have the first part of the equation solved. Kenneth Walker III is a dynamic athlete who has the ability to take the ball to the house on every touch. Injuries and an inconsistent offense unable to figure out an identity slowed Walker down a bit in 2023. But the addition of OC Ryan Grubb should help get Walker heavily featured week in, week out. – Kole Musgrove, Seahawks Wire
30
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Lavonte David
It’s a tough call here between David and wide receiver Mike Evans, since they’re both basically the same player for their respective sides of the ball. But while Evans has finally started to get his well-deserved flowers over the past few seasons, David remains easily one of the most underrated players of his generation across the entire league. Even at 33 years old last year, David was always the Bucs’ best defender on the field, and still one of the best linebackers in the NFL. His presence as both an on-field playmaker in every situation (run, pass, blitz) and a respected leader in the locker room makes him invaluable to the Bucs. With some key departures on defense this offseason (Shaq Barrett, Carlton Davis III, Devin White), David’s reliable presence will be even more vital to Tampa Bay’s success in 2024. – Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire
31
Tennessee Titans: OT JC Latham
The Titans have had the worst left tackle situation in the NFL the past two seasons, which has had a massively negative impact on the offense. The hope is that JC Latham can shore up the position and adequately protect Will Levis’ blindside. Doing so will put the second-year signal-caller in a better position to succeed as he tries to prove he’s “the guy” for the long haul. – Mike Moraitis, Titans Wire
32
Washington Commanders: LB Frankie Luvu
We thought about going with wide receiver Terry Mclaurin here. But he’ll likely continue to post his usual 1,000 receiving yards. So, we go with Luvu. The former Carolina Panther has been excellent over the past two seasons and could be on the verge of a breakout. Under Dan Quinn and DC Joe Whitt Jr., Luvu will be used as a pass rusher more than at any other time in his career. His numbers will benefit. Luvu will be Washington’s most impactful defender in 2024. – Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire
