Can Mr. Irrelevant Be a Dark Horse Candidate for NFL MVP?
The 49ers as a team, and Brock Purdy as a quarterback, are coming off a disappointing season to say the least. The team finished the 2024 season with a record of 6-11 while Purdy produced underwhelming statistics, throwing 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Injuries were a true kryptonite to the roster last season, and the potential of the 2024 49ers was quickly lost. However, things could fold much differently as the team looks toward the future. Just a season before, San Francisco finished 12-5 and captured the top seed in the NFC. Purdy, along with running back Christian McCaffrey, was in the hunt to win the 2023 NFL MVP.
Now entering 2025, the offensive outlook is much different. This offseason, wide receiver Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders, ending his six-year tenure with the 49ers. Meanwhile, San Francisco still awaits Brandon Aiyuk’s return. In addition, after a breakout 2024 season, wide receiver Jauan Jennings has been out with an injury as he negotiates a contract extension. A week from their season opener against the Seahawks, second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall and star veteran tight end George Kittle look to be Purdy’s go-to targets to begin the season. Not to mention, the run game led by McCaffrey and new addition Brian Robinson Jr. should complement the pass game nicely. With a healthy McCaffrey in the backfield, Purdy will have his best friend from the 2023 season back and prepared to make a game-changing impact.
All this to say, considering Purdy as a dark horse candidate to win MVP in 2025 shouldn’t be seen as impossible. On BetMGM, Purdy is +2800 to win the award, but if the 49ers return to form, there could be a world where his name is placed in the MVP discussion. After becoming the highest-paid player in franchise history, Purdy could have more responsibility for the offense’s success than people realize. There shouldn’t be questions about head coach Kyle Shanahan’s ability to find creative ways to move the ball each week. However, there are truly no guarantees when it comes to McCaffrey and Aiyuk returning to All-Pro form. Whether it’s through the air or on the ground, Purdy will have to carry the offense more frequently than ever before. It’s a long shot to think he could be in the conversation, but he’s set up to have as big an MVP case as he’s had throughout his young career.
