Will QB Kyler Murray win MVP next season?

By: Jeremy Trottier

The Arizona Cardinals have had another effective offseason, making it two now back to back where they have severely improved the team.  One of the biggest moves they have made in the prior offseasons is drafting quarterback Kyler Murray with the number one overall pick in 2019 to take over as QB1.  Now, two years later, Kyler is entering his third season and has proven to be a true dual threat quarterback who can get things done whenever possible.

In this article, I will be going over three reasons as to why Kyler could win MVP in 2021, as well as why these reasons contribute to him winning it.

Receiving Threat Improvements

One of the biggest and most prominent reasons Kyler could win MVP this year is he is absolutely surrounded by a plethora of weapons after the Cardinals signings and draft.  As of now, the Cardinals have added:

• A.J. Green (WR)
• Rondale Moore (WR)
• James Conner (RB)

On top of that, they already have one of the best receivers in the league with DeAndre Hopkins.  As well as Andy Isabella, Christian Kirk, Chase Edmonds, and a returning Eno Smith as other options.  The amount of players the Cardinals have been able to put out on the field for Kyler has been tremendous, and all of these players should contribute to him having a solid 2021 campaign.  It also allows a constant amount of receiving threats on the field, regardless of injuries that happen, since they have such a significant amount of depth.

Offensive Line Upgrade

This offseason the Cardinals have also brought in a few more pieces to protect Kyler via trades, signings, and even a draft pick.  The reasoning behind this giving Kyler a better chance at MVP is simple, the less he has to force throws under pressure, the more accurate they will be.  Despite being a mobile QB we did see what happens when you are constantly under pressure after his injury this year.  

As of right now, these are the moves they have made to improve the o-line:

• Kelvin Beachum (signing ”“ OT)
• Rodney Hudson (trade ”“ C)
• Brian Winters (signing ”“ OL)
• Max Garcia (signing ”“ OL)
• Cam Murray (UDFA signing ”“ OL)
• Michael Menet (Draft pick ”“ C)

Realistically a lot of these are depth signings, so they will help when injuries arise.  With that said, two of these players will be the starters, or are at least listed as so for now.  Those two being Rodney Hudson at center and Kelvin Beachum at RT.  This will help Murray get a little more protection than last year for sure and let him actually use the weapons listed previously.

More possessions due to improved defense

Finally, the hugely improved defensive unit for the Cardinals should definitely force more turnovers/punts and get the ball back in Kyler’s hands.  By now most fans of the NFL know the Cardinals signed veteran DE J.J. Watt, and retained Chandler Jones for the other edge.  The Cardinals also addressed this in the draft however on top of their signings.  

The additions of Zaven Collins at LB, Marco Wilson and Tay Gowan at CB, and James Wiggins at S could all make an impact.  They will also be utilizing Isaiah Simmons more often presumably, who will make a good impact at whatever position they choose to play him at.  Overall, all of these additions plus more should give Kyler a shot at getting the ball significantly more often.