NFL Season Awards 2025-2026: Who Will Win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year?

Every year, an NFL star is chosen by a panel of 50 AP sportswriters as the Defensive Player of the Year.

The ceremony is commonly held a day before the Super Bowl, and many of the biggest names in the sport have received the title, such as Lawrence Taylor, J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, and, most recently, Patrick Surtain II.

As a new season provides a new opportunity to receive the honor, you might be unsure who will win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year 2025-2026. Read on for help making a prediction.

Analysis of BEO’s betting odds points to Myles Garrett being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year at the NFL Season Awards 2025-2026 ::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.

Myles Garrett is the Player to Beat

Myles Garrett is seemingly the player to beat for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The 29-year-old defensive end continues to be a dominant force on the field, as he finished the 2024 season with 47 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery.

Thanks to his performance, he received his fourth first-team All-Pro nomination and his sixth Pro Bowl nomination.

Despite requesting to leave the Cleveland Browns due to his “desire to win,” Garrett recently signed an extended four-year contract with the team for $160 million ($125 million guaranteed).

As a result, he likely has a fire in his belly to help the Browns reach the Super Bowl and enjoy success in the league until his contract expires in 2030.

The betting odds are in his favor to win Defensive Player of the Year, too, showing confidence in his upcoming performance for the 2025-2026 season.

If so, it will mark the second time he has won the award in his career, as he accepted the title in 2023, proving he has the award panel’s respect.

Micah Parsons is a Tough Competitor

Micah Parsons has enjoyed great success in the NFL after being chosen as the first-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2021 NFL Draft.

After signing a four-year contract for $17 million, Parsons was moved to defensive end during week two on the team, which proved a natural position for him.

The same year, he was unanimously voted Defensive Rookie of the Year. Also, he was ranked number 16^th by other players in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022, number nine in 2023, and number 17 in 2024.

The 25-year-old has continued to wow on the field, finishing the 2024 season with 43 tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass defended.

As he is becoming more experienced in the league, it might be a matter of time until he is named Defensive Player of the Year, and betting odds predict he’s a favorite to do so in the 2025-2026 season.

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Aidan Hutchinson is a Realistic Threat

Aidan Hutchinson is quickly becoming one of the toughest defensive ends in the NFL, placing him in a firm position for Defensive Player of the Year next season.

In 2023, he was chosen for his first Pro Bowl, as he finished the season with 51 tackles, 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Unfortunately, a severe leg injury cut his 2024 season short, as he fractured his fibula and tibia in week six. Fortunately for the Detroit Lions, Hutchinson has recovered from the injury, which could help the team recover from the blow of recently losing many players and coaching staff.

As he has worked hard to recover his health, many experts believe he will return to the NFL fighting fit and eager to help the team enjoy much success in the league next season.

For instance, ESPN’s senior writer Mike Clay has predicted Aidan Hutchinson “will be the most productive defensive end in the entire league in 2025.”

If you believe Aidan Hutchinson will be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year at the NFL Season Awards 2025-2026, you could win $800 by betting $100 if it happens.