Myles Garrett favored to win 2025 Defensive Player of the Year

The Cleveland Browns didn’t come close to expectations last season, stumbling to a 3–14 finish in 2024. But while the team’s struggles defined the year, Myles Garrett’s dominance never wavered. The former No. 1 overall pick remained a constant force in the trenches, piling up sacks and tackles-for-loss despite facing relentless double teams. Yet the offseason was far from smooth for the Browns’ defensive cornerstone. Garrett requested a trade, spoke publicly about wanting to win elsewhere, and even skipped voluntary workouts. Now, heading into 2025, he’s back in Cleveland with a record-breaking contract and the spotlight firmly on him.Despite the turbulence, Myles Garrett remains the favorite to reclaim the Defensive Player of the Year award. In July, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe conducted a survey among league insiders, and Garrett’s reputation carried the day.“Garrett ran away with this category for the second consecutive year, even strengthening his perch after drawing 13 of 26 votes in 2024,” Howe wrote. “What’s more, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year slipped to third in that voting last season, but he still stood out this summer in voters’ minds.”This time, Garrett earned 17 of 30 votes, a clear sign that, across the NFL, he’s still viewed as the league’s most unstoppable defender.The Browns made headlines of their own when they refused to trade Garrett, eventually finalizing a massive extension on March 9, 2025. The four-year, $160 million deal includes $123.5 million guaranteed, a $40 million annual salary, and a no-trade clause that ties him to Cleveland through 2030.Not everyone in Northeast Ohio welcomed the offseason drama. Some fans felt frustrated by Garrett’s trade request and his absence from voluntary workouts. Others pointed to another speeding ticket, suggesting he needs to win back trust. Still, his production has never been questioned — Garrett posted 14 sacks, 47 tackles, three forced fumbles, and a league-leading 22 tackles-for-loss in 2024.Myles Garrett enters the 2025 season as both the Browns’ defensive cornerstone and the NFL’s top favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. His dominance is unquestionable, his new contract guarantees stability, and league insiders continue to back him as the standard for elite pass rushing. But in Cleveland, the challenge isn’t just about sacks and awards — it’s about proving he’s still the leader this fan base can believe in.Also Read: CeeDee Lamb responds to doubters as the Dallas Cowboys face Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 season opener