2025-26 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award Odds: Garrett Favored After Browns Extension

Myles Garrett Signs Historic Extension With the Browns

The drama surrounding Myles Garrett is over as the defensive end has agreed to a four-year extension with the Cleveland Browns worth $40 million annually. He is also co-favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year alongside the Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson.

Next season’s NFL odds board is filled with pass rushers, which is little surprise given that eight of the last 10 winners of the award totaled at least 11 sacks.

Favorites to Win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award

It turns out that money talks. Myles Garrett seemed to be closing in on a departure from the only team he’s ever known after requesting a trade from the Cleveland Browns in early February. Instead, he will stick around, becoming the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history as he earns $40 million annually with $123 million guaranteed.

Previously, he was on the periphery of favorite status, but this extension has drawn him even with Aidan Hutchinson.

Garrett’s consistency and dominance on the edge make him a perennial threat, and now, with long-term financial security, the Browns hope he can anchor their defensive unit for years to come.

Aidan Hutchinson Eyes Redemption After Injury-Shortened Season

If it weren’t for a devastating tibia tear in Week 6, Aidan Hutchinson would have run away with the latest DPOY honors.

Hutchinson led the NFL in sacks at the time of his injury, so the 24-year-old will look to avenge his shortened season with a bang — not only aiming for a career high in sacks but also elevating a Detroit Lions defense that really missed his presence in the postseason.

• As one of the most disruptive young players in the league,
• Hutchinson’s return is one of the most anticipated
• Storylines heading into the new season

Micah Parsons Remains in the Mix Despite Injury Concerns

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons missed four games in 2024 due to a high ankle sprain. Despite this, he finished the season with 12 sacks in just 13 contests. The Cowboys star has been an All-Pro in all four seasons and finished Top 3 in DPOY voting in each of his first three seasons before the ankle injury limited him last year.

Parsons continues to redefine the linebacker role with his speed, flexibility, and relentless motor. As long as he remains healthy, he’s expected to be a mainstay in the DPOY conversation.

Dark Horses to Watch in the 2025 NFL Season

While Garrett, Hutchinson, and Parsons dominate headlines, several other defenders are quietly building strong resumes. T.J. Watt, the 2021 DPOY, is always a threat if healthy. New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner could also make a leap if he adds more interceptions to his already elite coverage skills.

San Francisco’s Nick Bosa, the 2022 DPOY, will also look to rebound after a slightly underwhelming campaign by his standards. If he returns to his usual form, he’s a serious contender once again.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, one thing is certain — the race for Defensive Player of the Year is more competitive than ever.