Could 2026 be the year one of the seven NFL teams finally celebrates their first Super Bowl-era MVP? It's been a long wait for these franchises, with no player from the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or New York Jets having ever won the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award during the Super Bowl era. The Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints join them in this historical misfortune. But with some viable candidates emerging, 2026 might just be the year one of these teams breaks through. Personally, I think Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, and Trevor Lawrence are all dark horses for the MVP title. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential impact of these players on their respective teams' success. For the Cardinals, the 2026 NFL Draft's No. 3 overall pick, Jeremiah Love, is a special talent. While it's unlikely he'll win the MVP as a rookie, his potential is immense. The same goes for Anderson, the Texans' top talent, who's on track to become the first defensive player to win MVP since Lawrence Taylor in 1986. The Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence, an MVP finalist in 2025, is also a strong contender. If he can continue his rise in the AFC ranks, he'll be a legitimate MVP candidate. The Saints' Tyler Shough, fresh off a successful rookie season, is another dark horse. With a full season of experience, he could make a major leap and become the franchise's first AP NFL MVP. The Jets' Breece Hall, a versatile talent, is also in the mix. While the Eagles' Jalen Hurts has quarterbacked the franchise to two Super Bowls, he's yet to win the MVP. However, with a new offensive coordinator and a focus on rising back into elite form, 2026 could be his year. The Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield, despite injuries, is a strong contender. If he can reclaim his Pro Bowl form, he'll be a bona fide MVP candidate. In my opinion, 2026 could be a historic year for these teams and players, marking a new era of success and recognition.
