Top 10 non-quarterback NFL MVP candidates for 2020

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 29: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half during their game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 02: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball after catching a pass against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The Chiefs won the game 31-20. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

Which 10 performers who aren’t quarterbacks are viable NFL MVP candidates?

A little recent history when it comes of the league’s Most Valuable Player award. The last time someone other than a quarterback captured the honors was 2012, when Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Petersen finished with the second-most rushing yards in a season in NFL history.

Also keep in mind that in terms of the offensive skill positions, a wide receiver or tight end has never won MVP honors. When it comes to the other side of the ball, there was Vikings’ defensive tackle Alan Page in 1971 and New York Giants’ outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor in ’86.

Last year’s winner, Baltimore Ravens’ standout Lamar Jackson, was a unanimous selection. But this season, could we see someone other than a quarterback? Here are 10 options other than the man behind center.

10. TE Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

It was in it was in 2018 that young quarterback Patrick Mahomes took the NFL by storm, throwing for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns (12 interceptions) on his way to being named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Teammate Travis Kelce played a big part in his success, snaring 103 passes for 1,336 yards and 10 of those scores.

So is it out of the realm of possibility that first tight end ever to be named the league’s most valuable player would be on the receiving end of one of the league’s most prolific passers? Still, it is somewhat of a stretch but keep in mind here Kelce’s numbers the past six seasons add up to 507 receptions for 6,465 yards and 37 touchdowns.

So why not 49ers’ All-Pro tight end George Kittle at this spot? He was the 2019 First-Team All-Pro at the position ahead of Kelce. But he doesn’t put up the same kind of offensive numbers and fair or unfair, that’s what draws the most attention.

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