# 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.
- Title: Richard Sherman Names T.J. Watt Early Favorite For Defensive…
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: richard sherman, t.j. watt, defensive player of the year, pittsburgh steelers, nfl, sacks, 2026 nfl draft, patrick graham, Steelers Depot
- Source: Steelers Depot — https://steelersdepot.com/2026/11/richard-sherman-names-t-j-watt-early-favorite-for-defensive-player-of-the-year-award
- Author: Jake Brockhoff
- Published: 2026-11-05T01:30:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: richard sherman, t.j. watt, defensive player of the year, pittsburgh steelers, nfl, sacks, 2026 nfl draft, patrick graham, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.