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Myles Garrett: DPOY Favorite, But New Challengers Emerge
17 Mar
Summary
- Myles Garrett set an NFL record with 22 sacks last season.
- Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby are close contenders for the award.
- Defensive linemen have dominated DPOY wins in recent years.
Myles Garrett is positioned as the favorite for the upcoming 2026 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. This follows his record-setting previous season, where he achieved 22 sacks and 43 solo tackles. Garrett is aiming to join an exclusive group of players who have won the award multiple times.
The odds for the 2026 DPOY race have been released post-free agency. Garrett leads the pack, but Micah Parsons and Maxx Crosby are close contenders, both at +700. Will Anderson Jr., last season's runner-up, and Aidan Hutchinson are also among the top candidates at +800.
Historically, defensive linemen have been the most frequent recipients of this award, winning nine of the last twelve seasons. Cornerbacks have had less success, making Patrick Surtain II's win two years ago a notable exception. This trend suggests a strong likelihood of another lineman claiming the title.
