MINNESOTA

It’s amazing how much damage was done to the car in which Vikings rookie CB KHYREE JACKSON perished along with two teammates.  TMZ.com:

Khyree Jackson’s death shocked the sports world … and, now TMZ has photos from the scene showing the aftermath of the tragic crash.

The Minnesota Vikings cornerback was driving in a Dodge Charger alongside Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton earlier Saturday morning when the crash occurred … and photos now show that Dodge Charger completely disfigured.

Pictures show the car being loaded onto the back of a tow truck … flattened with the back part of the vehicle severed from the rest of the cab.

The photos are here.

– – –

Comments from WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON on the transition from QB KIRK COUSINS to QB J.J. McCARTHY:

Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson’s Tuesday visit to The Rich Eisen Show featured discussions about former quarterbacks and future ones.

Jefferson said he wasn’t too surprised that Kirk Cousins wound up leaving the team for the Falcons as a free agent and that he is “grateful for what he has brought to me” over the last four years. Jefferson then moved on to talking about the team’s current quarterbacks.

Sam Darnold is going into training camp ahead of J.J. McCarthy on the depth chart, but McCarthy was a first-round pick and that means there are high expectations for what he’ll do in the long run. Jefferson said that the Vikings put McCarthy’s locker next to his and that he’s taken on the responsibility that comes with that placement.

“They want me to be that guy that J.J. can always talk to and ask questions,” Jefferson said. “He’s definitely that type of kid. He definitely wants to ask questions. He wants to learn how to be a top quarterback. He wants to learn how to become a problem in this league.”

Jefferson said he’s told McCarthy not to worry about expectations and “carry yourself with confidence,” which is likely a good deal easier when you know Jefferson will be on the receiving end of your passes.

CAROLINA

Former NFL safety Adrian Wilson has legal problems and is out of a job.  Bryan DeArdo of CBSSports.com:

Earlier this week, the Carolina Panthers confirmed to Pro Football Talk that the team had parted ways with vice president of player personnel Adrian Wilson after just one year. On Tuesday, more details surfaced as to why Carolina made the surprising move.

On June 1, Wilson was arrested at his home in Arizona on three charges related to domestic violence: assault, criminal damage and disorderly conduct, according to Scottsdale police, via The Athletic. All three charges are misdemeanors.

“Adrian Wilson will not continue in his position as Vice President of Player Personnel for the Carolina Panthers,” a team spokesperson said on the matter. “Consistent with our organizational policy on employee matters, we will have no further comment.”

This comes a month after the Panthers promoted Cole Spencer (who has been with the team since 2021) from college scouting director to director of player personnel.

Wilson had held the position since February of 2023. Prior to joining the Panthers, Wilson spent two years with Arizona as its director of pro scouting and two additional years as vice president of pro scouting. In 2022, Wilson stepped in to serve as the Cardinals’ interim co-general manager after Steve Keim was relieved of his duties.

The 44-year-old Wilson enjoyed a highly productive NFL career as a safety from 2001-12. He spent each of his 12 NFL seasons with the Cardinals, where he was selected to five Pro Bowls and was tabbed as an All-Pro in 2009. In 2008, Wilson helped the Cardinals reach the franchise’s first Super Bowl. He was inducted into the Cardinals Ring of Honor in 2015.

Wilson is just the latest former employee to be dismissed during David Tepper’s tumultuous run as the Panthers owner, which began in 2018. Under Tepper’s watch, the Panthers have fired three head coaches during the season, including last year when Frank Reich was relieved of his duties after a 1-10 start.

SAN FRANCISCO

They are hanging Dan Quinn’s loss on Kyle Shanahan here.  Michael David Smith of ProfootballTalk.com:

Kyle Shanahan lost his first Super Bowl appearance as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator after the 2016 season. And he has now lost two Super Bowls as the 49ers’ head coach. And that 0-3 start in Super Bowls is something no head coach or coordinator before him has overcome to win a Super Bowl.

Shanahan is the fifth head coach or coordinator in NFL history to start his career 0-3 in Super Bowls, and none of the others ever won a Super Bowl, according to NFL Research.

Marv Levy went 0-4 in Super Bowls as the Bills’ head coach.

Bud Grant went 0-4 in Super Bowls as the Vikings’ head coach.

Jerry Burns went 0-4 under Grant as offensive coordinator of the Vikings and never got to a Super Bowl as a head coach after that.

KANSAS CITY

Will Jackson County get a do-over?  And if so, will the Royals be part of a Chiefs stadium vote like last time?  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

Albert Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Sometimes, however, insanity is the only alternative to inaction.

A lengthy article recently appearing in the Kansas City Star leads with the notion that Jackson County, Missouri residents — who overwhelmingly rejected the continuation of a sales tax to finance stadium renovation and construction earlier this year — could be asked to do it again.

Jonathan Patterson, the Missouri House Majority Leader and presumptive next Speaker of the House, predicted that there will be another ballot initiative.

“I do think before this is said and done, Jackson County is going to have another vote,” Patterson said.

Implicit in that comment is, in our view, a message that the powers-that-be believe a public vote is legally unavoidable, if funding will be coming from Jackson County. And before there would be a vote, the Jackson County legislature would have to approve it.

Delaying governmental action are upcoming primaries in Missouri, which will lead to among other things a new governor. Patterson expects more attention to be devoted to the Chiefs and Royals stadium situations after next month’s elections.

“There’s so much uncertainty with all of the statewide offices and the state Senate,” Patterson said. “So once we know who’s in those positions, I think we’ll have a much clearer picture of what we can accomplish.”

Patterson believes a second vote would have a different outcome, now that Kansas has mobilized to poach one or both teams. We’re not so sure about that. The voters were surely smart enough to know that Kansas would be ready to try to lure the teams across the border in April, and that still wasn’t nearly enough to come close to winning the day — only 41 percent of voters approved the measure.

The better approach might be to pick one of the two teams (the Chiefs) and focus the efforts of keeping them, even if it means losing the Royals.

It’s also possible for the Missouri government to come up with a solution. It could be hard to pull that off without a contribution to the effort from Jackson County, and it seems as if there’s no way to get Jackson County money without putting the question to Jackson County voters.

This continues to be the biggest disconnect nationally when it comes to stadium financing. Voters will consistently say no to free money for billionaires who can afford to pay for their own stadiums. Elected officials are far more inclined to defy the will of their constituents in order to avoid a far more permanent tattoo on their political record.

“Whoever is the next governor, they’re going to have a choice to make,” Patterson said. “I think it would be very difficult for a new governor to be the one that lost the Kansas City Chiefs.”

And that’s why it’s so much easier to get free money from the people who are in office. They’re far less concerned about being attacked for delivering pork than they are about being assaulted for losing pigskin.

LAS VEGAS

The Chargers social media team chose a Pop Tarts motif for their schedule announcement back in May.  Two months later, WR DAVANTE ADAMS is not amused.  Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com:

Raiders receiver Davante Adams did not see the humor in the Chargers’ schedule release video this offseason. Adams, who was pictured next to a box of mock garbage-favored Pop Tarts in the video, fired back at the Chargers’ social media team Tuesday.

“It’s not the players’ fault because they didn’t have anything to do with the post,” Adams told FanDuel’s Up & Adams show. “This is directed strictly toward the Chargers’ social media page: Please keep my name out of your mouth and show some respect.”

Adams has played the Chargers five times, catching 41 passes for 535 yards and four touchdowns. In the past two seasons with the Raiders, Adams has gone for 141, 177, 75 and 101 yards against the Chargers.

“I thought about responding [to the Chargers] on social media and being funny there, but I figured it would be better to just beat their head in in real life and continuing to do it that way,” Adams said. “I just want to remind them of what they’ve been going through as it pertains to playing against me.”

Adams, 31, seemed most annoyed that the video implied that he’s over the hill. In 2023, Adams did not make the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2016 and was not All-Pro for the first time since 2019.

Still, he had 103 receptions for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns.

“They treat me like an old man, so I’m going to act like it because old men just say whatever they feel,” Adams said. “That’s how my grandpa is, at least. So I’m just trying to be what they want me to be.”

The Raiders open the season with the Chargers on Sept. 8 at SoFi Stadium.

HOUSTON

Hurricane Beryl left its mark on NRG Stadium.  ESPN.com:

Several panels were missing from the retractable roof of NRG Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Houston Texans, in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which has left millions in Texas without power and the cause for multiple deaths in Texas and Louisiana.

Video posted by The Associated Press showed at least three panels missing from the stadium’s roof.

“Like many of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast region, NRG Park sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl, including to the roof of NRG Stadium,” NRG Park CEO and executive director Ryan Walsh said in a statement Tuesday. “HCSCC [Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation] officials are collaborating with state, county and city officials to assist with recovery efforts throughout the region. This collective undertaking requires all of us to work together with a strong commitment to our community. While we assist with these efforts, we are also assessing the extent of damages to NRG Park facilities. We look forward to seeing our neighbors at NRG Park soon as we return to normal operations.”

Beryl made landfall in Texas on Monday as a Category 1 hurricane.

NRG Stadium also suffered damage to its roof in 2008 from Hurricane Ike, a Category 2 storm, that resulted in five missing sections and the postponement of a Texans home game in September against the Baltimore Ravens that season.

The Texans aren’t scheduled to play their first home game until Aug. 17 when they host the New York Giants in a preseason contest. Their regular-season home opener is scheduled for Sept. 15 against the Chicago Bears.

Minute Maid Park, the home of the Houston Astros, did not sustain serious damage from the storm. The Astros will host the Miami Marlins as scheduled Tuesday night.

THIS AND THAT

ALL-BREAKOUT

Josh Edwards of CBSSports.com presents his 2024 All-Breakout Team:

NFL players develop at their own pace; not every All-Pro reaches that status from the moment they arrive on the scene. Exploring players still on their rookie contract, I constructed this team of breakouts, which is not to say all of them will reach All-Pro or even Pro Bowl distinction, but that they have an attainable higher level of play.

Without further ado, the breakout team:

Quarterback: Anthony Richardson, Colts

Richardson had flashes of brilliance but was largely up and down prior to his injury. The reason for confidence stems from head coach Shane Steichen’s proficiency as an offensive play-caller, as well as the overall health of the offensive line and skill groups. Those elements alone should give Richardson a fighting chance to take a big leap forward in Year 2.

Honorable mention: Will Levis, Titans

Running back: Tyjae Spears, Titans

Spears spent most of last season backing up a running back literally and figuratively bigger than life in Nashville. He finished just shy of 500 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards. The team drafted J.C. Latham No. 7 overall and then hired renowned offensive line coach Bill Callahan to guide the unit. The Tulane product finished fourth in tackle avoidance rate among running backs with at least 100 carries last season (26.0%), according to TruMedia. Tennessee did sign Tony Pollard in free agency but that should not scare away those looking to invest in Spears’ fantasy future.

Wide receivers: Dontayvion Wicks, Packers; Drake London, Falcons; Michael Wilson, Cardinals

Wilson ranked in the Top-10 in average depth of target among pass catchers with at least 30 receptions last season, according to TruMedia. Wicks (74.4%) and Wilson (76.3%) each ranked among the Top-10 in percentage of receptions that went for either a touchdown or a first down. Wilson will not have to shoulder as much pressure to carry Arizona’s pass game this season now that Marvin Harrison Jr. has arrived.

The Rams style offense that Zac Robinson is bringing over has always rewarded wide receivers willing to block in space. Going back to my notes from the 2022 NFL Draft, London was a committed blocker, driving his feet on contact in the run game. He became more effective as he added mass to his frame. As Atlanta welcomes its new offense, London is one that stands to benefit the most.

Honorable mention: Jameson Williams, Lions; Marvin Mims, Broncos

Tight end: Luke Musgrave, Packers

Musgrave missed six games last season and still managed to record 34 receptions for 352 yards and one touchdown in a Packers offense that found itself as the season progressed. Musgrave is the prototypical NFL tight end. Another season in the system, an offseason removed of distraction and, hopefully, a return to full health should allow him to have the type of breakout season that Green Bay expected from him when he was taken No. 42 overall.

Honorable mention: Kyle Pitts, Falcons; Dalton Kincaid, Bills

Offensive tackles: Broderick Jones, Steelers; Wanya Morris, Chiefs

Most of the NFL’s best offensive tackles were taken in the first round of the draft and those players tend to start immediately. Since rookies are not a part of this equation, the pickings are slim. Jones allowed five sacks on 378 pass blocking snaps as a rookie last season, according to TruMedia. The former Georgia Bulldog saw time at right tackle last season but will return to left tackle where he played in college. Combined with the arrival of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who facilitated the improvement of multiple offensive linemen during his time in Atlanta, Jones could be on the brink of an outbreak.

Morris has shown NFL talent since his time at Tennessee but his career has been defined by inconsistency to this point. A right tackle at Oklahoma, Morris will now compete with second round pick Kingsley Suamataia for the starting left tackle position. The lack of urgency to sign a veteran in free agency suggests that Kansas City may have more confidence than the general public in protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. Last season, the third round pick was beaten on 4.9% of 223 pass blocking snaps, according to TruMedia.

Offensive guards: Peter Skoronski, Titans; Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets

Skoronski has settled in at offensive guard in Nashville. He was beaten on just 1.2% of 487 pass protection snaps last season, according to TruMedia. Those numbers do not tell the whole story but the point is that there is a firm foundation on which Callahan can begin to build upon and remodel. Callahan was able to take offensive guard Wyatt Teller from a player acquired for what amounted to late round draft picks to an All-Pro.

The narrative surrounding Vera-Tucker is similar to that of Carter. He is viewed favorably across the league but availability and not being yanked from one leak in the plumbing to the next should allow him to reach new heights. Colts offensive guard Will Fries would have been the choice opposite Skoronski had it not been for Vera-Tucker. As noted in my piece about profiling NFL All-Pros and projecting who may be next, there is a high correlation between offensive linemen taken in the first round and future success. Skoronski and Vera-Tucker check that box.

Honorable mention: Will Fries, Colts; Nick Saldiveri, Saints

Center: Cam Jurgens, Eagles

Even though the offensive output took a nosedive in 2023, there is still confidence projecting that unit forward because of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland’s presence. Stoutland is one of the most respected teachers of the position in football and recent retiree Jason Kelce has been pouring knowledge into Jurgens since the latter was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Honorable mention: Juice Scruggs, Texans

Edge rushers: Odafe Oweh, Ravens; Travon Walker, Jaguars

It is not an ideal time to buy stock in Oweh considering all of the defections from Baltimore’s defensive coaching staff. However, he profiles as an impact player at this level. His sack per pressure rate (9.8%) was relatively low compared to his pressure rate (17.2%), so he will have to do a better job finishing plays in 2024. Unfortunately, that was part of the concern coming out of Penn State. The Ravens have earned a reputation of pulling the most out of that group over the years with the likes of Pernell McPhee, Za’Darius Smith and more.

Walker took his pressure rate up three percentage points and did a better job of finishing plays in a year. The presence of Josh Allen on the opposite side, plus the infusion of veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead should create even more one-on-one opportunities for the No. 1 overall pick this season. Another year of maturity in the system should lead to improved results.

Honorable mention: George Karlaftis, Chiefs; Lukas Van Ness, Packers; Yaya Diaby, Buccaneers; Keion White, Patriots

Defensive tackles: Jalen Carter, Eagles; Karl Brooks, Packers

Carter recorded six sacks as a rookie and it seemed as though he was destined for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Although Year 1 could be considered a success, there is another level for him to take his game. The ex-Bulldog was credited with 37.2 pass rush pressures by TruMedia, which ranked No. 38 among all players.

The other spot was a hotly-contested three-horse race between Bears interior defender German Dexter Sr., Steelers interior defender Keeanu Benton and Brooks. Dexter and Brooks had similar pressure rates — 10.4% and 10.3%, respectively — whereas Benton is more of a run stuffer.

Honorable mention: Gervon Dexter Sr., Bears; Keeanu Benton, Steelers

Linebackers: Terrel Bernard, Bills; Christian Harris, Texans

Bernard was thrust into the equation last year when Matt Milano got hurt but he grew into the role. He was a rusher on just 10.6% of opponent dropbacks, according to TruMedia, and still managed 6.5 sacks. Bernard was also fifth among linebackers in defensive passer rating.

Harris was very inconsistent on his 712 defensive snaps but there were reasons for optimism. Head coach DeMeco Ryans’ background is linebacker. With an upgraded talent floor in Houston, there is no reason to believe that Harris will not take another step forward.

Honorable mention: Malik Harrison, Ravens; Jamin Davis, Commanders; Micah McFadden, Giants; Devin Lloyd, Jaguars

Cornerbacks: Christian Gonzalez, Patriots; Derek Stingley Jr., Texans; Cordale Flott, Giants

Gonzalez was among the league’s best rookies until he sustained an injury in October. Although Bill Belichick is gone, Jerod Mayo remains in control of the operation. With his length and collegiate ball production, Gonzalez is well-positioned to bounce back. Stingley’s issues have been similar. Over the the course of two seasons, he has six interceptions and 14 games missed. Dating back to his freshman season at Baton Rouge, Stingley has been regarded as a top talent at his position.

Flott would have been a member of my better than team coming into the draft had I written one, so there is some bias at play here. The reality is that a slot cornerback was needed for this team and the honorable mention cornerbacks and safety profiled more in other roles. Flott is worth a flier as he takes on an expanded role.

Horn would have an opportunity to make the list if he were able to stay healthy, plus the anticipated Carolina pass rush is not going to instill any amount of fear into its opposition. Emerson is another promising young talent but the lasting memory of the Texans having their way with the Cleveland secondary has taken residence in my mind.

Honorable mention: Jaycee Horn, Panthers; Martin Emerson, Browns; Zyon McCollum, Buccaneers

Safeties: Kerby Joseph, Lions; Ji’Ayir Brown, 49ers

TruMedia has a metric that measures the passer rating by opposing quarterbacks against coverage players; Joseph ranked third last season (28.0). Emerson, above, was fifth (28.7). Joseph had four interceptions last season, but, with improved talent around him, the Illinois product has the opportunity to put himself in Pro Bowl and All-Pro consideration.

The depth chart has been cleared for Brown to see more playing time this fall. He played less than 400 defensive snaps in 15 games last season but managed two interceptions. As he gains more experience, his play could take a jump.

Honorable mention: Dax Hill, Bengals

NON-QB MVPs

At The Athletic, beat writers pick the non-QB MVP of each team (Arizona and the Giants have selections who are rookies who have not played a game yet):

Entire offseasons are dedicated to dissecting, praising and dismissing NFL quarterbacks.

It’s understandable. Only four times in the last 25 years has a quarterback not won league MVP. There have been 33 Super Bowl MVPs at quarterback, with the next closest position group being the wide receivers at eight. Not to mention the market for quarterbacks approaching astronomical levels of wealth.

But while quarterbacks get all the attention, a team’s season is made on much more than what happens behind center. Which non-quarterbacks are the MVPs for their respective NFL team in 2024? The Athletic’s beat writers compiled their picks and explain how those players could make a significant difference this season.

Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr., wide receiver

Running back James Conner is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season and is among the more underrated backs in the league. Defensively, safety Budda Baker is a difference-maker and a great example of how the game should be played. But if the Cardinals are to make a jump — as many expect they will — it will be because of Harrison, their talented first-round selection. Is it fair to pick a rookie as non-QB MVP? Probably not. But during summer workouts, almost everyone agreed Harrison is not your typical NFL rookie. Expectations are high. All he has to do is deliver. — Doug Haller

Atlanta Falcons

Drake London, wide receiver

In London’s two years in the NFL, the Falcons quarterbacks (a rotating combination of Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke) ranked 28th in the league in completion percentage (61.8), 27th in passing touchdowns (34), 22nd in passer rating (83.7) and 21st in EPA per dropback. London has led Atlanta in receiving each year since being drafted eighth overall in 2022, but he hasn’t topped 1,000 yards in a season yet, maxing out at 905 yards. He only has six career touchdown catches, too. London is hopeful the addition of Kirk Cousins can help him change all that. “Let’s just say I have a bad taste in my mouth,” London said. “I have to go out there and ball, that’s it. I know what I can do.” — Josh Kendall

Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry, running back

Lamar Jackson has never had a dynamic force in the backfield like Henry, the 30-year-old who comes to Baltimore with a penchant for inflicting punishment on defenders and breaking long runs. Assuming Henry has a seamless transition into the Ravens offense, he should open up space for Jackson and create favorable matchups for the team’s wide receivers and tight ends. Like Roquan Smith on the defensive side, Henry is a force multiplier. If he becomes the piece that helps the Ravens get past Kansas City and to the Super Bowl, he’ll go down as one of the better free-agent signings in team history. — Jeff Zrebiec

Buffalo Bills

Terrel Bernard, linebacker

Oh, who on the 2023 roster could possibly replace Tremaine Edmunds? Still just 19 years old when the Bills drafted him 16th overall in 2018, Edmunds wore the green dot that opening day, started all 82 games he played and eventually became a captain before joining the Chicago Bears as a free agent. Then came Bernard, who didn’t just fill the void but overflowed it with splash plays. After starting once as a rookie, his sophomore campaign led the Bills with 143 tackles, along with three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, 6 1/2 sacks and 10 tackles for losses. But his value was most realized in his absence. An ankle injury kept him from dressing for the narrow playoff loss to Kansas City in the playoffs. Had Bernard been on the field instead of A.J. Klein, Buffalo probably wins. — Tim Graham

Carolina Panthers

Derrick Brown, defensive end

The first-round pick from 2020 piled up a record 103 tackles in 2023, the most by a defensive lineman since 1994 when the stat was first tracked. The breakout season led to a Pro Bowl berth and a lucrative extension for the former Auburn star. However, for Brown to be considered one of the league’s truly elite defenders, some believe he has to become more of a pass-rushing force (after eight sacks in his first four seasons). “You can look at the sacks. You can look at the pressures. I don’t really care,” Brown said in December. “If you don’t see I’m a game-wrecker, then I don’t know what to tell you.” — Joseph Person

Chicago Bears

Montez Sweat, defensive end

This would be a best-case scenario. Sweat is the highest-paid player on the team and tasked with sparking its biggest weakness from last season — rushing the passer. Even though he joined midseason, Sweat still led the Bears with six sacks. He would benefit from more help along the line, but he’s now familiar with the system, and Matt Eberflus knows how to best employ him. That should be a concern for opposing QBs. What the Bears need to do a better job of is finishing opponents after three disastrous blown leads in 2023. Sweat can be that closer. — Kevin Fishbain

Cincinnati Bengals

Ja’Marr Chase, wide receiver

The re-calibration of Joe Burrow’s weapons didn’t just add versatility to the new pieces offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher can play with; they also augment the one he’s played with the longest. The position-less nature of the rest of the receiver and tight end group allows the Bengals to move Chase around more and dial up more explosive plays from different alignments. While his overall usage might not go up, the aggressiveness of his targets should and sets up for the three-time Pro Bowler and 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year to enjoy his best season yet. — Paul Dehner Jr.

Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett, defensive end

This is an obvious one, regarding Garrett’s talent level and what the Browns need from him. It’s been hard to put real expectations on the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year because Garrett makes the difficult look easy — and because anything short of 15 sacks and multiple games wrecked would qualify as a disappointment. 2023 was probably Garrett’s best season because it was his most complete, and sometimes he dominated when it didn’t show up in the box score. The Browns need more of that, and Garrett seems capable of delivering. — Zac Jackson

Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons, linebacker

Some might suggest CeeDee Lamb, but this one is really not up for debate. Since Parsons put on a Cowboys helmet, only the Kansas City Chiefs have had more regular-season success. Dallas has won 12 games each of those three seasons. Parsons is arguably the NFL’s best defender. But like many others on the team, he hasn’t played his best when it has mattered most in January. If Parsons can stay healthy and be at his best late in the season, he has the talent to be the difference-maker in Dallas finally making a deep playoff run. Most believe the Cowboys go as Dak Prescott goes, but a case could be made for Parsons actually being the driving force. — Jon Machota

Denver Broncos

Pat Surtain II, cornerback

There is no questioning Surtain’s talent. In just three NFL seasons, he’s been named to two Pro Bowls, was a unanimous first-team All-Pro selection in 2022, and was named an all-rookie performer the season prior. The real question for the Broncos is whether they can create the kind of pressure on quarterbacks that forces teams to test Surtain more often. Surtain has been everything the Broncos have asked and more since taking him with the No. 9 overall selection in 2021, and he has a chance to become the league’s highest-paid corner sometime within the next year. — Nick Kosmider

Detroit Lions

Frank Ragnow, center

You could throw a dart at this Lions roster and your odds of it landing on a quality non-QB MVP would be high. Some obvious answers include Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Alex Anzalone, Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell, Detroit’s running backs — all worthy candidates. But I’m going with Ragnow. He’s arguably the best center in the league and Detroit’s offense simply isn’t the same without him. He’s highly knowledgeable, helps Jared Goff navigate defenses at the line of scrimmage, keeps him upright and creates interior lanes for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. That’s value across the board. — Colton Pouncy

Green Bay Packers

Jaire Alexander, cornerback

Alexander has made two All-Pro second teams and is still only 27 entering his seventh year in the league. After a rocky 2023 campaign that saw him miss nine games to injury and one to suspension after a string of incidents both in the private and public eye, he appears locked in with a new staff around him. If defensive back specialist and new coordinator Jeff Hafley can get Alexander to stay on the right track, there’s no reason why he can’t make another All-Pro team while leading Green Bay’s defense. — Matt Schneidman

Houston Texans

Will Anderson, defensive end

The Texans have several candidates worthy of consideration: Left tackle Laremy Tunsil’s production is vital for C.J. Stroud’s success. Stefon Diggs could help elevate the offense, and another new face — running back Joe Mixon — also could prove extremely valuable and ease pressure on the quarterback. But Anderson has a slight edge heading into his second year. As a rookie, Anderson proved highly disruptive, racking up 22 quarterback hits and seven sacks. Look for that sack total to spike in 2024 as he becomes an even greater tone-setter for Houston’s defense. — Mike Jones

Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor, running back

Last summer, Taylor’s public contract dispute bled into the season until he finally landed a three-year, $42 million extension that officially kicks in this season. Taylor has missed 13 games combined due to injury over the previous two years, but in his last healthy season in 2021, he took home the league rushing title. If the 25-year-old can get back to playing at an All-Pro level, it would make life much easier on second-year QB Anthony Richardson and significantly increase the Colts’ chance of ending their three-year playoff drought. — James Boyd

Jacksonville Jaguars

Josh Allen, defensive end

Allen became an elite playmaking pass rusher last season with a career-best 17 1/2 sacks, and he’ll need to pace their defense again for the team to take another step forward. If Trevor Lawrence and the offense don’t have to win a track meet every week, it’ll take a lot more pressure off that side of the ball, which would be massive after a mistake-prone 2023 season. Allen can’t do it all by himself — that much was proven last year — but this defense needs him to be its MVP if it will have a chance to be a top-10 unit. — Jeff Howe

Kansas City Chiefs

Chris Jones, defensive tackle

Even with a roster featuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce, Jones is a core reason why the Chiefs are in the midst of a dynasty. At 29, Jones is in the prime of his career and one of the league’s best pass rushers, who can pressure the opposing quarterback from the interior or the edge. In the past two seasons, Jones was double-teamed on 70 percent of his pass rushes as an interior defender, the highest rate in the league, according to Next Gen Stats. He still ranked second in the league in pass rush win rate, trailing only Aaron Donald. This offseason for Jones has been smooth compared to last year when he held out of everything — the offseason program, training camp, and even Week 1 — before rejoining the team on a revised one-year deal. His production should improve from last season — 10 1/2 sacks, 29 quarterback hits and four pass breakups — to ensure the Chiefs’ defense remains a strength. — Nate Taylor

Las Vegas Raiders

Davante Adams, wide receiver

The obvious answer would have been Maxx Crosby. The defensive end has been the team’s MVP the last three seasons, even beating out league-leading rusher Josh Jacobs in 2022, and he somehow gets better every year. This offseason, the Raiders gave defensive tackle Christian Wilkins $83 million to take some double-teams off of Crosby. But … we’re going with Adams in what is essentially a contract year for him. He will have to carry the offense with quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew scaring no one and Jacobs playing for the Packers now. Adams is still the best route runner in the league, and the Raiders may have enough weapons where he can’t be double-teamed. Of course, the wild card (Vegas … hello) here is rookie tight end Brock Bowers becoming option 1 and the Raiders ultimately deciding to move on without Adams next year. Wait, can I change my answer? — Vic Tafur

Los Angeles Chargers

Khalil Mack, linebacker

Mack is coming off, perhaps, the best season of his career. Beyond the career-high 17 sacks, he was a dominant force in the run game. If last year was any indication, Mack has plenty left to give as he enters his age-33 season. He is highly motivated to claim the one NFL achievement that has evaded him: a Super Bowl. His 2023 tape was awe-inspiring in both the superhuman flashes and the consistency of performance. He was the team’s MVP in 2023, quarterback included. And while he might not match his counting-stat production from last season, I think he will impact that game similarly, especially if Joey Bosa stays healthy. — Daniel Popper

Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams, running back

The significant caveat here is that Williams must stay healthy through an entire season — he could not do so in the first two years of his career. Yet in 2023, despite missing four games to injury, Williams was the second-most productive rusher in the NFL behind Christian McCaffrey. When Williams was on the field, the Rams’ EPA per play shot up into the top 5 in the league, and head coach Sean McVay was able to deploy a wide variety of zone and gap concepts with him. It would be easy to pick veteran receiver Cooper Kupp, who needs a comeback year in a big way, or young star receiver Puka Nacua. But I believe NFL teams will throw the kitchen sink at the duo trying to defend them, where it’s simply hard to stop a punch in the mouth courtesy of Williams and the run game. — Jourdan Rodrigue

Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill, wide receiver

I could have made a less obvious choice, but that would have been disingenuous. Hill is arguably the most valuable non-quarterback in the NFL, as his other-worldly speed and acceleration command a defense’s attention like no other player in the league. The Dolphins offense runs through Hill. He was one of only three players in the league to earn more than 30 percent of his team’s targets (31.1 percent, trailing only the Raiders’ Davante Adams at 33 percent). And when he’s not getting the ball, he pulls defenders into his orbit and opens huge chunks of space for his teammates. Outside of maybe 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, there is no more valuable non-QB offensive player than Hill. — Jim Ayello

Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson, wide receiver

Breaking news: He is a good player. Quick, fast, versatile, dependable, tough … you know. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has, and this is not hyperbole, built an offense around Jefferson’s skill set. He is the primary pass catcher on most downs, and once defenses decide to double (or triple) him, he becomes an essential decoy. The Vikings’ addition of Aaron Jones is an interesting layer to this upcoming season. The more success the Vikings have on the ground, the fewer men defenses can allocate to Jefferson in coverage. And the fewer men defenses can allocate to Jefferson in coverage, the more he can take over a game. The record-breaking extension will not prevent Jefferson from wanting to set reception and receiving yard records, especially after missing nearly half of last season with a hamstring strain. — Alec Lewis

New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson, running back

The Patriots are going to run the ball a lot. They hired offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who spent the last four years with Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, where the Browns ran at one of the highest clips in the league (and ran it successfully). That offense is coming to New England, where the running game will be even more important, given the potential of a rookie quarterback and the team’s lack of weapons at wide receiver. So if Stevenson stays healthy, he’s in line for a big season. — Chad Graff

New Orleans Saints

Demario Davis, linebacker

The 35-year-old is still one of the best defensive players in football. He’s been a second-team All-Pro selection in each of the last four seasons and seemingly never slows down. There’s no question he’s the stabilizing force for the Saints’ defense and an unquestionable leader within the organization. That said, the Saints would probably rather have an offensive player written about in this space. Davis is such a constant that you expect him to always be great. If an offensive player earns this honor by the end of the season, that probably means an offensive weapon would’ve provided more impact than expected. That would also mean the offense, in general, would be better than expected. — Larry Holder

New York Giants

Malik Nabers, wide receiver

Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns are also prime candidates for this role, given Lawrence’s dependability and Burns’ potential impact in tandem with Kayvon Thibodeaux after his arrival in New York. But with Saquon Barkley gone, the offensive focus will be dialed in on the rookie Nabers. He’s shone early in spring and has that “it factor” of a top wide receiver. If this Giants offense is successful, it will be part of that QB connection with Nabers. Nabers’ arrival also should allow Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson to be more successful. Nabers relishes the opportunity to prove himself, and there’s no doubt he wants to accomplish big things at the next level. — Charlotte Carroll

New York Jets

Garrett Wilson, wide receiver

Sauce Gardner or Quinnen Williams would’ve been easy picks, and I even considered left tackle Tyron Smith (if he can stay healthy). But this feels like the season where Wilson truly breaks out into superstardom and becomes a wide receiver mentioned in the same breath as the Jefferson and Chase types. He has the talent to produce like them. He just has been saddled with arguably the worst quarterback situation in the NFL the last two years. Despite that, he’s managed to get at least 80 catches, 1,000 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons, making him one of only five wide receivers in NFL history to do that to start a career. Now imagine if he gets even just competent quarterback play from Aaron Rodgers and even Tyrod Taylor if Rodgers can’t stay healthy. — Zack Rosenblatt

Philadelphia Eagles

A.J. Brown, wide receiver

It’s arguable that Brown’s been the MVP for the Eagles in the last two seasons. He secured both the No. 1 and No. 2 spot in the franchise’s record book for single-season receiving yards in those years, and he’s totaled 18 receiving touchdowns since the Eagles acquired him from the Tennessee Titans in 2022 for a first- and third-round pick. The franchise signed the three-time Pro Bowler to a three-year, $96 million extension in April, briefly making him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. He’ll earn that in his age-27 season within new OC Kellen Moore’s offense, which should feature him heavily. — Brooks Kubena

Pittsburgh Steelers

T.J. Watt, linebacker

How can’t it be Watt? He’s averaging just a tad under a sack per game in his career and had seasons of 22 1/2 and 19 1/2 sacks in two of his last three seasons. He will reach 100 career sacks early in the season and has yet to turn 30. Watt should benefit from a defense that got better in the offseason with the acquisition of Patrick Queen in the middle to go along with a healthy Minkah Fitzpatrick, who would be a close second in terms of MVP. In terms of Watt, he was named team MVP in four of the past five years. The only time he didn’t was when he missed half the season with a torn pectoral. — Mark Kaboly

San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey, running back

This one is easy. The 49ers already call McCaffrey their MVP, as his impact in both the run and pass games unlocks the full potency of their offense. Adaptability is catching on as a league-wide offensive trend, but McCaffrey is the pioneer in this regard, and remains the most dangerous two-way weapon the NFL has to offer. — David Lombardi

Seattle Seahawks

Devon Witherspoon, cornerback

Witherspoon’s elite traits stood out during a solid rookie season that saw him earn Pro Bowl honors while ranking fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. His rare combination of cover skills and violence near the line of scrimmage separates him from other cornerbacks. The thinking here is that Witherspoon will make a jump in his second season and that Seattle’s scheme shift on defense will maximize his abilities from the nickel position, including as a blitzer. — Mike Sando

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Godwin, wide receiver

Mike Evans gets most of the attention, but Godwin remains one of football’s better receivers. He had more receptions than Evans in four of the last five seasons, including the last three. The Bucs believe he will have more yards this year because they intend to use him more in the slot and less outside. At 28, Godwin is at the height of his abilities and he should be at the height of his desire — his contract is up after this season. — Dan Pompei

Tennessee Titans

L’Jarius Sneed, cornerback

Sneed’s knees are an offseason story again and likely will be a question for the rest of his career — especially if he continues to miss practices as a precaution. But people were talking about those knees before last season, then watched Sneed answer with high-level cornerback play Sunday after Sunday. For as long as he’s at his best, he should be the Titans’ best corner in many years, and his style of play in Dennard Wilson’s defense should provide dynamic results. With Chidobe Awuzie signed and on the other side, the Titans have the answers outside they’ve been seeking for a long time. — Joe Rexrode

Washington Commanders

Frankie Luvu, linebacker

Micah Parsons wasn’t one of the several familiar faces head coach Dan Quinn brought over from his three-year stint with the Cowboys. Bummer. However, the three-time All-Pro is mentioned frequently in Washington because his linebacker/edge rusher role did travel with Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Luvu, one of the Commanders’ primary free-agent signings this offseason, arrived with the versatility required to play multiple spots. At 27, Luvu is an ascending talent coming off back-to-back 100-tackle seasons with 12 1/2 combined sacks. He will play every down, and the defensive personnel will shift depending on where the coaches deploy this aggressive playmaker. — Ben Standig