Fansided

5 NFL MVP candidates who aren’t quarterbacks

By Kelly Thompson

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 01: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams pressures quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 01: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams pressures quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints (Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

It was only a season ago when Thomas set the NFL record for receptions in a season (149). It was the second consecutive season that Thomas led the league in catches, after notching 125 in 2018, and he was honored with the AP Offensive Player of the Year Award as a result.

In four seasons in the NFL, Thomas has a staggering 470 receptions for 5,500 yards and 32 touchdowns. These are not just Hall of Fame levels of production through a receiver’s first four seasons – they are literally the best start to a career in the history of the position (though Jerry Rice had more touchdowns).

Coming off the OPOY Award, Thomas has a chance to establish himself as not just the top receiver in football in 2020, but one of the premier players in the entire league. He ought to have three resume distinctions which help him stand out against other offensive weapons on the theoretical ballot.

First, he may be more prolific in 2020. During the offseason, the Saints finally added a legitimate second receiver in the form of Emmanuel Sanders, which should make it difficult for opposing defenses to double team Thomas every play.

Second, New Orleans is going to score a lot of points. After seeing 185 targets a season ago, Thomas may not surpass his looks, or receptions, totals from a season ago. But, he may very well increase his yards per catch and touchdown output (nine in 2019), which should boost his profile.

No wide receiver has ever been named the NFL MVP. But, no era of football history has seen high passing offenses the way that the modern iteration does, either.

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