The biggest move of the offseason just dropped, with the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, landing with the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster trade back in June. After falling just short of a Super Bowl appearance last season, the Rams clearly meant business when they acquired Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. Now, the guy who dominated the league last year is set to chase something truly legendary.
Garrett’s Pursuit of Greatness in LA
Myles Garrett isn’t just looking to win DPOY again, he’s got a shot at history. The dude could become one of only a handful of players ever to win the award in back-to-back seasons, and incredibly, three times in just four years. Think about that for a second. Plus, he’ll be aiming to be the first Rams player to snag that honor since the legendary Aaron Donald did it in 2020. Donald, who won the award three times himself (in 2017, 2018, and 2020), set a high bar, and now Garrett is on pace to try and chase that kind of legacy in the same uniform. How wild is that?
What makes this even crazier is how dominant Garrett was in 2025. He won the AP NFL DPOY award unanimously, getting all 50 first-place votes. That’s not just good, that’s historically good. He didn’t just win, he broke the single-season sack record with a ridiculous 23 sacks. Putting that kind of firepower on a team that was already a Super Bowl favorite? That’s a scary thought for every opposing offense out there.
The Early Odds Are In: Who Can Stop Him?
As of July 27, DraftKings Sportsbook has Myles Garrett as the heavy favorite for the 2026 NFL DPOY at +450. You bet $10, you win $55 total. That’s a strong vote of confidence from the oddsmakers. But this is the NFL, and there are always contenders itching for that top spot.
Right behind Garrett on the oddsboard are Will Anderson Jr. at +700 and Maxx Crosby at +850. Anderson put up 12 sacks in 2025 and was fourth in the league in pass rush win rate at 23%. That’s some serious disruption right there. Meanwhile, Crosby had quite the offseason drama. He was almost traded to the Ravens, but that blockbuster deal fell through after Baltimore backed out following his physical. So, he’s staying with the Raiders for 2026 after racking up 10 sacks in 15 games last season. Aidan Hutchinson also sits at +850, with Nick Bosa at +1300, Nik Bonitto at +1400, and T.J. Watt and Brian Burns both at +1800. Jared Verse (+2200) and Trey Hendrickson (+2500) round out the top contenders.
The 2026 NFL season is still a bit away, but the chase for Defensive Player of the Year is already heating up. Can Myles Garrett make history in LA, or will a new force rise to challenge the favorite? We’re about to find out once the pads start popping. Get ready for some serious D-line action!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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