With training camp heating up and preseason around the corner, the NFL MVP conversation is already beginning to stir. In a recent report by NFL writer Eric Edholm, a potential MVP candidate from each NFC team was named, and three names stood out as especially bold: Chicago’s Caleb Williams, Carolina’s Bryce Young, and Seattle’s Sam Darnold.
Caleb Williams’ Wild Rookie Season, Much To Prove in 2025
Coming off a turbulent rookie year, Williams showed flashes of brilliance despite being sacked a staggering 68 times. He threw for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns, both franchise rookie records, while limiting his turnovers to just 11 over 17 games. As he enters Year 2, the setup around him is significantly better.
“Ben Johnson is the type of imaginative and demanding coach who could coax brilliance out of Williams,” Edholm writes. “The young signal-caller also has the benefit of a fortified offensive line and more weaponry in Year 2. With only 11 turnovers in 17 games, Williams has shown he can take care of the ball well, and his scrambling skill was a tad overlooked last year, when he was often forced to run for his life.”
The combination of Johnson’s offensive creativity and an improved roster gives Williams a realistic shot at progressing and potentially vaulting into MVP conversations.
Bryce Young Benched, Then Impresses in Second Half
While Young’s overall 2024 numbers (2,403 passing yards, 15 TDs, 9 INTs) don’t scream MVP, there’s a growing sense of optimism in Carolina. The former No. 1 pick showed encouraging signs in the back half of the season after being benched early on.
“Is Young at an MVP level yet? No, not close, but the franchise spent much of the offseason looking for ways to beef up his artillery,” Edholm notes. “Carolina should be better, and Young is headed in the right direction, but it would take a pretty significant leap for him to be recognized among the very best of the best.”
2025 NFL MVP: @Eric_Edholm highlights one candidate from each NFC teamhttps://t.co/8OSxdWGwJX pic.twitter.com/ydPmlNvy26
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The Panthers have made efforts to surround him with more weapons and protection, and if Young continues on his upward trajectory, the leap, while massive, isn’t impossible.
From Comeback to Contender, Sam Darnold Anticipated 2025 Season
The most eye-opening name on the list might be Sam Darnold. After injuries to J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, Darnold seized the opportunity and posted the best season of his career: 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, a 102.5 passer rating, and a 14-3 record. He finished 10th in MVP voting and was named the NFL’s Most Improved Player.
Still, as Edholm writes, “His candidacy on Seattle feels weaker entering the season. If Darnold were to better his 2024 production and lead the Seahawks to a division title, let’s say, he’d be due proper respect.”
Now in Seattle with a talented core and a fresh start, Darnold has another shot to silence doubters. The opportunity is there; it’s a matter of consistency and continued production.
Although Edholm’s analysis indicates that each of these quarterbacks has a compelling backstory, they are not the typical contenders regarding MVP talk. All three have the potential to make unexpected runs at the league’s top honor, whether it’s Young’s quiet ascent, Williams’ electrifying upside, or Darnold’s stunning comeback.
