Kyler Murray receives respect that may even shock his own fans

The Arizona Cardinals must improve in 2024. Based on their 2023 performance, they will. With some upgraded weapons at wide receiver, Kyler Murray should have a solid season at quarterback.

Can Murray truly elevate the team into a contender in the NFC West, though? One NFL analyst believes it is a possibility with her latest nod to the young QB.

Kyler listed as a dark-horse MVP candidate for 2024

Judy Battista listed a handful of candidates , and the Cardinals QB made the ranks.

He’s healthy and thinks he’s had one of the best offseasons of his career, and he’s building off a very strong finish to 2023. Murray returned from his 2022 ACL injury in Week 10 last season, but he and the Cardinals offense really took off in the final four games of the campaign -- he completed 70.3 percent of his passes for 935 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. In that span, the Cardinals led the league in total offense, with 414.3 yards per game. And now rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. -- who has earned raves in the offseason -- is added to the mix. When Murray is healthy, he’s one of the most thrilling players in football. The Cardinals will have to win a lot more games for Murray to catch voters’ eyes, but if Murray can pick up where he left off last year, and if Harrison explodes in his rookie season, Murray could at least position himself for future MVP consideration.

The MVP campaign for Murray would probably hinge on the overall success for Arizona in 2024.

They struggled last season, alongside Murray's recovery from injury, but they played in more close games than many folks expected from them. Now, they have an upgraded receiving core and offensive line. The defense still has notable holes, but some of their young talent impressed a season ago.

If Murray somehow gets the Cardinals to a playoff spot, an MVP discussion around him will absolutely be deserved. The NFC West will not be any easy division to navigate.

Related: Cardinals' rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. helps makes history in partnership with major shoe brand