From Steelers Depot · Jake Brockhoff · · 1m 30s
Richard Sherman Names T.J. Watt Early Favorite For Defensive Player Of The Year
Richard Sherman says T.J. Watt is the current Defensive Player of the Year favorite after a strong 2026 season.
In brief
Richard Sherman says T.J. Watt is the current Defensive Player of the Year favorite after a strong 2026 season. Richard Sherman names T.J. Watt the early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year after his 7.5 sacks and improved impact in 2026. Originally reported by Steelers Depot.
T.J. Watt's 2025 Season
Watt had disappointing 2025 performance with reduced edge and momentum broken by dry-needling incident.
Watt's 2026 Performance
Watt leads league in sacks with 7.5 and has two 2.0-sack games this year.
Sherman's Statement
Sherman says Watt is the current pick to win Defensive Player of the Year award.
“Give me T.J. Watt, in Pittsburgh. They’re having a better season; he’s always impactful. He’s a big reason why they’re [6-2]”
Watt's Approach Under New Coach
Watt has taken different approach this year under Patrick Graham after spending entire career under Mike Tomlin.
Watt's Defensive Impact
Watt has nine tackles for a loss through eight games, up from ten in all of 2025.
Watt's 2026 Season Context
Watt is now on older side of 30 after seeing sack total decrease in prior two years.
Watt's 2026 Season Impact
Watt has returned to terrorizing offensive tackles consistently, as he did in win over Cleveland.
Watt's Defensive Snap Share
Watt has 66-percent defensive snap share this year, lowest of his career.
Watt's 2026 Season Outcome
Watt has turned the clock back for excellent 2026 season and is heart of defense that turned things around.
Watt's 2026 Season Status
Watt is now the league’s best defender this year according to Sherman.
The one thing
Richard Sherman names T.J. Watt the early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year after his 7.5 sacks and improved impact in 2026.
