Philadelphia Eagles star named dark horse NFL MVP candidate for 2026

A Philadelphia Eagles player hasn't won the NFL MVP award in a very long time

The last time an Eagle won the league's most prestigious individual award was when Norm Van Brocklin claimed the hardware in 1960. But, perhaps that will change next season. 

Jalen Hurts named dark horse NFL MVP candidate

Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts was recently named a dark horse MVP candidate for the 2026 season by Dan Parr of NFL.com. 

Parr thinks that Philadelphia's new-look offense under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion will provide Hurts with a perfect bounce-back opportunity after an underwhelming '25 campaign. 

From Parr: 

Hurts is getting something of a fresh start in 2026, with former NFL QB Sean Mannion replacing Kevin Patullo as offensive coordinator after Patullo’s rough lone season as the play-caller. ... The receiving corps has a much different look, with Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and first-round pick Makai Lemon arriving this offseason.

Second-round selection Eli Stowers gives the offense a freak athlete at tight end. The offensive line remains one of the league’s best. ... The ingredients are there for Hurts to roar back on a contending team. He’ll have to be much better than the version of him we saw for much of last season, though, in an offense that will have him lining up under center more often.

This story will be updated. 

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