Complete offseasons are devoted to dissecting, praising and dismissing NFL quarterbacks.
It’s comprehensible. Solely 4 occasions within the final 25 years has a quarterback not gained league MVP. There have been 33 Tremendous Bowl MVPs at quarterback, with the subsequent closest place group being the large receivers at eight. To not point out the marketplace for quarterbacks approaching astronomical ranges of wealth.
However whereas quarterbacks get all the eye, a group’s season is made on far more than what occurs behind heart. Which non-quarterbacks are the MVPs for his or her respective NFL group in 2024? The Athletic’s beat writers compiled their picks and clarify how these gamers might make a major distinction this season.
Marvin Harrison Jr., large receiver
Operating again James Conner is coming off a 1,000-yard speeding season and is among the many extra underrated backs within the league. Defensively, security Budda Baker is a difference-maker and a fantastic instance of how the sport needs to be performed. But when the Cardinals are to make a bounce — as many count on they’ll — will probably be due to Harrison, their gifted first-round choice. Is it truthful to select a rookie as non-QB MVP? Most likely not. However throughout summer time exercises, nearly everybody agreed Harrison shouldn’t be your typical NFL rookie. Expectations are excessive. All he has to do is ship. — Doug Haller
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Drake London, large receiver
In London’s two years within the NFL, the Falcons quarterbacks (a rotating mixture of Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke) ranked twenty eighth within the league in completion share (61.8), twenty seventh in passing touchdowns (34), twenty second in passer score (83.7) and twenty first in EPA per dropback. London has led Atlanta in receiving every year since being drafted eighth general in 2022, however he hasn’t topped 1,000 yards in a season but, maxing out at 905 yards. He solely has six profession landing catches, too. London is hopeful the addition of Kirk Cousins may help him change all that. “Let’s simply say I’ve a nasty style in my mouth,” London stated. “I’ve to go on the market and ball, that’s it. I do know what I can do.” — Josh Kendall
Derrick Henry, operating again
Lamar Jackson has by no means had a dynamic pressure within the backfield like Henry, the 30-year-old who involves Baltimore with a penchant for inflicting punishment on defenders and breaking lengthy runs. Assuming Henry has a seamless transition into the Ravens offense, he ought to open up house for Jackson and create favorable matchups for the group’s large receivers and tight ends. Like Roquan Smith on the defensive facet, Henry is a pressure multiplier. If he turns into the piece that helps the Ravens get previous Kansas Metropolis and to the Tremendous Bowl, he’ll go down as one of many higher free-agent signings in group historical past. — Jeff Zrebiec
Terrel Bernard, linebacker
Oh, who on the 2023 roster might probably exchange Tremaine Edmunds? Nonetheless simply 19 years outdated when the Payments drafted him sixteenth general in 2018, Edmunds wore the inexperienced dot that opening day, began all 82 video games he performed and finally grew to become a captain earlier than becoming a member of the Chicago Bears as a free agent. Then got here Bernard, who didn’t simply fill the void however overflowed it with splash performs. After beginning as soon as as a rookie, his sophomore marketing campaign led the Payments with 143 tackles, together with three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, 6 1/2 sacks and 10 tackles for losses. However his worth was most realized in his absence. An ankle damage saved him from dressing for the slim playoff loss to Kansas Metropolis within the playoffs. Had Bernard been on the sphere as a substitute of A.J. Klein, Buffalo in all probability wins. — Tim Graham
Derrick Brown, defensive finish
The primary-round choose from 2020 piled up a document 103 tackles in 2023, probably the most by a defensive lineman since 1994 when the stat was first tracked. The breakout season led to a Professional Bowl berth and a profitable extension for the previous Auburn star. Nonetheless, for Brown to be thought of one of many league’s actually elite defenders, some imagine he has to develop into extra of a pass-rushing pressure (after eight sacks in his first 4 seasons). “You’ll be able to have a look at the sacks. You’ll be able to have a look at the pressures. I don’t actually care,” Brown stated in December. “In the event you don’t see I’m a game-wrecker, then I don’t know what to inform you.” — Joseph Individual
Montez Sweat, defensive finish
This could be a best-case situation. Sweat is the highest-paid participant on the group and tasked with sparking its largest weak spot from final season — speeding the passer. Though he joined midseason, Sweat nonetheless led the Bears with six sacks. He would profit from extra assist alongside the road, however he’s now accustomed to the system, and Matt Eberflus is aware of learn how to greatest make use of him. That needs to be a priority for opposing QBs. What the Bears have to do a greater job of is ending opponents after three disastrous blown leads in 2023. Sweat might be that nearer. — Kevin Fishbain
Ja’Marr Chase, large receiver
The re-calibration of Joe Burrow’s weapons didn’t simply add versatility to the brand new items offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher can play with; additionally they increase the one he’s performed with the longest. The position-less nature of the remainder of the receiver and tight finish group permits the Bengals to maneuver Chase round extra and dial up extra explosive performs from completely different alignments. Whereas his general utilization may not go up, the aggressiveness of his targets ought to and units up for the three-time Professional Bowler and 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Yr to take pleasure in his greatest season but. — Paul Dehner Jr.
Myles Garrett, defensive finish
That is an apparent one, relating to Garrett’s expertise stage and what the Browns want from him. It’s been onerous to place actual expectations on the reigning NFL Defensive Participant of the Yr as a result of Garrett makes the troublesome look straightforward — and since something in need of 15 sacks and a number of video games wrecked would qualify as a disappointment. 2023 was in all probability Garrett’s greatest season as a result of it was his most full, and typically he dominated when it didn’t present up within the field rating. The Browns want extra of that, and Garrett appears able to delivering. — Zac Jackson
Micah Parsons, linebacker
Some may recommend CeeDee Lamb, however this one is de facto not up for debate. Since Parsons placed on a Cowboys helmet, solely the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs have had extra regular-season success. Dallas has gained 12 video games every of these three seasons. Parsons is arguably the NFL’s greatest defender. However like many others on the group, he hasn’t performed his greatest when it has mattered most in January. If Parsons can keep wholesome and be at his greatest late within the season, he has the expertise to be the difference-maker in Dallas lastly making a deep playoff run. Most imagine the Cowboys go as Dak Prescott goes, however a case could possibly be made for Parsons really being the driving pressure. — Jon Machota
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Pat Surtain II, cornerback
There is no such thing as a questioning Surtain’s expertise. In simply three NFL seasons, he’s been named to 2 Professional Bowls, was a unanimous first-team All-Professional choice in 2022, and was named an all-rookie performer the season prior. The actual query for the Broncos is whether or not they can create the sort of strain on quarterbacks that forces groups to check Surtain extra usually. Surtain has been every little thing the Broncos have requested and extra since taking him with the No. 9 general choice in 2021, and he has an opportunity to develop into the league’s highest-paid nook someday inside the subsequent yr. — Nick Kosmider
Frank Ragnow, heart
You would throw a dart at this Lions roster and your odds of it touchdown on a high quality non-QB MVP could be excessive. Some apparent solutions embrace Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Alex Anzalone, Brian Department, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell, Detroit’s operating backs — all worthy candidates. However I’m going with Ragnow. He’s arguably the perfect heart within the league and Detroit’s offense merely isn’t the identical with out him. He’s extremely educated, helps Jared Goff navigate defenses on the line of scrimmage, retains him upright and creates inside lanes for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. That’s worth throughout the board. — Colton Pouncy
Jaire Alexander, cornerback
Alexander has made two All-Professional second groups and continues to be solely 27 getting into his seventh yr within the league. After a rocky 2023 marketing campaign that noticed him miss 9 video games to damage and one to suspension after a string of incidents each within the non-public and public eye, he seems locked in with a brand new workers round him. If defensive again specialist and new coordinator Jeff Hafley can get Alexander to remain heading in the right direction, there’s no motive why he can’t make one other All-Professional group whereas main Inexperienced Bay’s protection. — Matt Schneidman
Will Anderson, defensive finish
The Texans have a number of candidates worthy of consideration: Left deal with Laremy Tunsil’s manufacturing is important for C.J. Stroud’s success. Stefon Diggs might assist elevate the offense, and one other new face — operating again Joe Mixon — additionally might show extraordinarily worthwhile and ease strain on the quarterback. However Anderson has a slight edge heading into his second yr. As a rookie, Anderson proved extremely disruptive, racking up 22 quarterback hits and 7 sacks. Search for that sack whole to spike in 2024 as he turns into an excellent larger tone-setter for Houston’s protection. — Mike Jones
Jonathan Taylor, operating again
Final summer time, Taylor’s public contract dispute bled into the season till he lastly landed a three-year, $42 million extension that formally kicks on this season. Taylor has missed 13 video games mixed resulting from damage over the earlier two years, however in his final wholesome season in 2021, he took house the league speeding title. If the 25-year-old can get again to taking part in at an All-Professional stage, it could make life a lot simpler on second-year QB Anthony Richardson and considerably improve the Colts’ likelihood of ending their three-year playoff drought. — James Boyd
Josh Allen, defensive finish
Allen grew to become an elite playmaking cross rusher final season with a career-best 17 1/2 sacks, and he’ll have to tempo their protection once more for the group to take one other step ahead. If Trevor Lawrence and the offense don’t must win a monitor meet each week, it’ll take much more strain off that facet of the ball, which might be huge after a mistake-prone 2023 season. Allen can’t do all of it by himself — that a lot was confirmed final yr — however this protection wants him to be its MVP if it would have an opportunity to be a top-10 unit. — Jeff Howe
Chris Jones, defensive deal with
Even with a roster that includes quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight finish Travis Kelce, Jones is a core motive why the Chiefs are within the midst of a dynasty. At 29, Jones is within the prime of his profession and one of many league’s greatest cross rushers, who can strain the opposing quarterback from the inside or the sting. Prior to now two seasons, Jones was double-teamed on 70 p.c of his cross rushes as an inside defender, the best fee within the league, based on Subsequent Gen Stats. He nonetheless ranked second within the league in cross rush win fee, trailing solely Aaron Donald. This offseason for Jones has been easy in comparison with final yr when he held out of every little thing — the offseason program, coaching camp, and even Week 1 — earlier than rejoining the group on a revised one-year deal. His manufacturing ought to enhance from final season — 10 1/2 sacks, 29 quarterback hits and 4 cross breakups — to make sure the Chiefs’ protection stays a power. — Nate Taylor
Davante Adams, large receiver
The plain reply would have been Maxx Crosby. The defensive finish has been the group’s MVP the final three seasons, even beating out league-leading rusher Josh Jacobs in 2022, and he in some way will get higher yearly. This offseason, the Raiders gave defensive deal with Christian Wilkins $83 million to take some double-teams off of Crosby. However … we’re going with Adams in what is basically a contract yr for him. He should carry the offense with quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew scaring nobody and Jacobs taking part in for the Packers now. Adams continues to be the perfect route runner within the league, and the Raiders might have sufficient weapons the place he can’t be double-teamed. After all, the wild card (Vegas … hey) right here is rookie tight finish Brock Bowers changing into choice 1 and the Raiders finally deciding to maneuver on with out Adams subsequent yr. Wait, can I modify my reply? — Vic Tafur
Davante Adams (17) is within the third yr of a five-year, $140 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. (Trevor Ruszkowski / USA At the moment)
Khalil Mack, linebacker
Mack is coming off, maybe, the perfect season of his profession. Past the career-high 17 sacks, he was a dominant pressure within the run sport. If final yr was any indication, Mack has loads left to provide as he enters his age-33 season. He’s extremely motivated to say the one NFL achievement that has evaded him: a Tremendous Bowl. His 2023 tape was awe-inspiring in each the superhuman flashes and the consistency of efficiency. He was the group’s MVP in 2023, quarterback included. And whereas he may not match his counting-stat manufacturing from final season, I feel he’ll impression that sport equally, particularly if Joey Bosa stays wholesome. — Daniel Popper
Kyren Williams, operating again
The numerous caveat right here is that Williams should keep wholesome via a complete season — he couldn’t achieve this within the first two years of his profession. But in 2023, regardless of lacking 4 video games to damage, Williams was the second-most productive rusher within the NFL behind Christian McCaffrey. When Williams was on the sphere, the Rams’ EPA per play shot up into the highest 5 within the league, and head coach Sean McVay was in a position to deploy all kinds of zone and hole ideas with him. It might be straightforward to select veteran receiver Cooper Kupp, who wants a comeback yr in an enormous approach, or younger star receiver Puka Nacua. However I imagine NFL groups will throw the kitchen sink on the duo attempting to defend them, the place it’s merely onerous to cease a punch within the mouth courtesy of Williams and the run sport. — Jourdan Rodrigue
Tyreek Hill, large receiver
I might have made a much less apparent alternative, however that will have been disingenuous. Hill is arguably probably the most worthwhile non-quarterback within the NFL, as his other-worldly velocity and acceleration command a protection’s consideration like no different participant within the league. The Dolphins offense runs via Hill. He was one in every of solely three gamers within the league to earn greater than 30 p.c of his group’s targets (31.1 p.c, trailing solely the Raiders’ Davante Adams at 33 p.c). And when he’s not getting the ball, he pulls defenders into his orbit and opens enormous chunks of house for his teammates. Exterior of possibly 49ers operating again Christian McCaffrey, there is no such thing as a extra worthwhile non-QB offensive participant than Hill. — Jim Ayello
Gamers in NFL historical past with a number of 1,700+ receiving yard seasons:
◽️ Tyreek Hill
Finish of record.
H/T @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/PeN279XodR
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 31, 2023
Justin Jefferson, large receiver
Breaking information: He is an efficient participant. Fast, quick, versatile, reliable, robust … you already know. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has, and this isn’t hyperbole, constructed an offense round Jefferson’s ability set. He’s the first cross catcher on most downs, and as soon as defenses determine to double (or triple) him, he turns into an important decoy. The Vikings’ addition of Aaron Jones is an attention-grabbing layer to this upcoming season. The extra success the Vikings have on the bottom, the less males defenses can allocate to Jefferson in protection. And the less males defenses can allocate to Jefferson in protection, the extra he can take over a sport. The record-breaking extension is not going to forestall Jefferson from desirous to set reception and receiving yard data, particularly after lacking practically half of final season with a hamstring pressure. — Alec Lewis
Rhamondre Stevenson, operating again
The Patriots are going to run the ball so much. They employed offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who spent the final 4 years with Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, the place the Browns ran at one of many highest clips within the league (and ran it efficiently). That offense is coming to New England, the place the operating sport can be much more vital, given the potential of a rookie quarterback and the group’s lack of weapons at large receiver. So if Stevenson stays wholesome, he’s in line for an enormous season. — Chad Graff
Demario Davis, linebacker
The 35-year-old continues to be among the finest defensive gamers in soccer. He’s been a second-team All-Professional choice in every of the final 4 seasons and seemingly by no means slows down. There’s no query he’s the stabilizing pressure for the Saints’ protection and an unquestionable chief inside the group. That stated, the Saints would in all probability reasonably have an offensive participant written about on this house. Davis is such a relentless that you just count on him to all the time be nice. If an offensive participant earns this honor by the top of the season, that in all probability means an offensive weapon would’ve supplied extra impression than anticipated. That may additionally imply the offense, normally, could be higher than anticipated. — Larry Holder
Malik Nabers, large receiver
Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns are additionally prime candidates for this position, given Lawrence’s dependability and Burns’ potential impression in tandem with Kayvon Thibodeaux after his arrival in New York. However with Saquon Barkley gone, the offensive focus can be dialed in on the rookie Nabers. He’s shone early in spring and has that “it issue” of a high large receiver. If this Giants offense is profitable, will probably be a part of that QB reference to Nabers. Nabers’ arrival additionally ought to enable Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson to be extra profitable. Nabers relishes the chance to show himself, and there’s little question he needs to perform massive issues on the subsequent stage. — Charlotte Carroll
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Garrett Wilson, large receiver
Sauce Gardner or Quinnen Williams would’ve been straightforward picks, and I even thought of left deal with Tyron Smith (if he can keep wholesome). However this feels just like the season the place Wilson actually breaks out into superstardom and turns into a large receiver talked about in the identical breath because the Jefferson and Chase varieties. He has the expertise to supply like them. He simply has been saddled with arguably the worst quarterback scenario within the NFL the final two years. Regardless of that, he’s managed to get at the very least 80 catches, 1,000 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons, making him one in every of solely 5 large receivers in NFL historical past to try this to start out a profession. Now think about if he will get even simply competent quarterback play from Aaron Rodgers and even Tyrod Taylor if Rodgers can’t keep wholesome. — Zack Rosenblatt
A.J. Brown, large receiver
It’s controversial that Brown’s been the MVP for the Eagles within the final two seasons. He secured each the No. 1 and No. 2 spot within the franchise’s document ebook for single-season receiving yards in these years, and he’s totaled 18 receiving touchdowns because the Eagles acquired him from the Tennessee Titans in 2022 for a first- and third-round choose. The franchise signed the three-time Professional Bowler to a three-year, $96 million extension in April, briefly making him the highest-paid receiver within the NFL. He’ll earn that in his age-27 season inside new OC Kellen Moore’s offense, which ought to function him closely. — Brooks Kubena
T.J. Watt, linebacker
How can’t or not it’s Watt? He’s averaging only a tad beneath a sack per sport in his profession and had seasons of twenty-two 1/2 and 19 1/2 sacks in two of his final three seasons. He’ll attain 100 profession sacks early within the season and has but to show 30. Watt ought to profit from a protection that bought higher within the offseason with the acquisition of Patrick Queen within the center to go together with a wholesome Minkah Fitzpatrick, who could be an in depth second when it comes to MVP. When it comes to Watt, he was named group MVP in 4 of the previous 5 years. The one time he didn’t was when he missed half the season with a torn pectoral. — Mark Kaboly
Christian McCaffrey, operating again
This one is simple. The 49ers already name McCaffrey their MVP, as his impression in each the run and cross video games unlocks the total efficiency of their offense. Adaptability is catching on as a league-wide offensive pattern, however McCaffrey is the pioneer on this regard, and stays probably the most harmful two-way weapon the NFL has to supply. — David Lombardi
Devon Witherspoon, cornerback
Witherspoon’s elite traits stood out throughout a strong rookie season that noticed him earn Professional Bowl honors whereas rating fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Yr voting. His uncommon mixture of canopy expertise and violence close to the road of scrimmage separates him from different cornerbacks. The considering right here is that Witherspoon will make a bounce in his second season and that Seattle’s scheme shift on protection will maximize his talents from the nickel place, together with as a blitzer. — Mike Sando
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) earned Professional Bowl honors as a rookie in 2023. (Steven Bisig / USA At the moment)
Chris Godwin, large receiver
Mike Evans will get a lot of the consideration, however Godwin stays one in every of soccer’s higher receivers. He had extra receptions than Evans in 4 of the final 5 seasons, together with the final three. The Bucs imagine he may have extra yards this yr as a result of they intend to make use of him extra within the slot and fewer outdoors. At 28, Godwin is on the top of his talents and he needs to be on the top of his need — his contract is up after this season. — Dan Pompei
L’Jarius Sneed, cornerback
Sneed’s knees are an offseason story once more and sure can be a query for the remainder of his profession — particularly if he continues to overlook practices as a precaution. However folks have been speaking about these knees earlier than final season, then watched Sneed reply with high-level cornerback play Sunday after Sunday. For so long as he’s at his greatest, he needs to be the Titans’ greatest nook in a few years, and his fashion of play in Dennard Wilson’s protection ought to present dynamic outcomes. With Chidobe Awuzie signed and on the opposite facet, the Titans have the solutions outdoors they’ve been searching for for a very long time. — Joe Rexrode
Frankie Luvu, linebacker
Micah Parsons wasn’t one of many a number of acquainted faces head coach Dan Quinn introduced over from his three-year stint with the Cowboys. Bummer. Nonetheless, the three-time All-Professional is talked about incessantly in Washington as a result of his linebacker/edge rusher position did journey with Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Luvu, one of many Commanders’ main free-agent signings this offseason, arrived with the flexibility required to play a number of spots. At 27, Luvu is an ascending expertise coming off back-to-back 100-tackle seasons with 12 1/2 mixed sacks. He’ll play each down, and the defensive personnel will shift relying on the place the coaches deploy this aggressive playmaker. — Ben Standig
(Illustration: Eamonn Dalton / The Athletic; Prime images of T.J. Watt, Ja’Marr Chase and Chris Jones: Jeff Dean, Patrick Smith and Perry Knotts / Getty Pictures)
