The Defensive Player of the Year award is the most prestigious honor a defensive player can earn in the NFL.
Heading into the 2025-26 season, there are 10 teams that have never had a player earn DPOY recognition. However, recent winners like Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and the recently retired Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams became first-time winners in their respective teams’ history, so it’s never too late to join the party.
To prepare for the upcoming season, we picked one player on all 32 NFL teams who could be the top candidate to win Defensive Player of the Year.
Every NFL Team’s Top DPOY Candidate
Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker
A safety hasn’t won DPOY since Troy Polamalu in 2010. But with Budda Baker being a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro, he belongs somewhere in the conversation.
Baker is coming off a career-high 164 tackles for the Arizona Cardinals last season. His versatility in coverage and as a tackler makes him one of the most well-rounded defensive backs in the league. Surprisingly, he hasn’t had an interception since 2022. If he is to establish himself as a true DPOY contender, increasing his turnover share will be crucial.
Atlanta Falcons: Jessie Bates III
In his two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Jessie Bates III has had 10 interceptions, 234 tackles, and two defensive touchdowns. Needless to say, he was a phenomenal free-agent signing in 2023.
Just a reminder that Jessie Bates was 6th in the NFL in interceptions, 1st in the NFL in forced fumbles, and 5th in pass breakups.
He was the only player in the NFL with 4+ interceptions and 4+ forced fumbles.
He’s that good. pic.twitter.com/EZ1TUxswc8
— Arkesh Ray (@arkeshrayyyy) June 19, 2025
Bates faces steep competition for the mantle of best safety in the NFL, but he’s certainly near the top. He’s an elite playmaker in coverage who isn’t afraid to lay the hammer down in run support and has the stats to back that up.
Baltimore Ravens: Roquan Smith
The Baltimore Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton deserves recognition as another DPOY candidate after finishing top 10 in voting for the award last year. However, I’m going in a different direction with Roquan Smith as my selection.
Smith has been a first-team All-Pro each of the last three seasons, topping 150 tackles in each. The key for him to win Defensive Player of the Year will be splash plays. Luke Kuechly was the last off-ball linebacker to win the award, and he had four interceptions in 2013. An increase in picks and/or sacks could get Smith over the hump.
Buffalo Bills: Matt Milano
Matt Milano heads into 2025 as a question mark on the Buffalo Bills’ defense. A first-team All-Pro linebacker in 2022, Milano’s played in just nine games in the last two years. He turns 31 in July, adding to the durability concerns. That said, his level of play when healthy indicates DPOY attention.
In 2022, Milano had 99 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. If he can return to that level of play, he’ll be among the top players at his position. The Bills are also a defense that’s more about the sum of their parts than one or two individual superstars, making Milano the best of the bunch when healthy.
Carolina Panthers: Jaycee Horn
After struggles with injuries early in his career, Jaycee Horn finally put it all together in Year 4 of his tenure with the Carolina Panthers.
Horn was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024, tallying 13 pass deflections and an interception in coverage. He’ll need to force more turnovers to enter Defensive Player of the Year status, but he’s now among the top cornerbacks in the game, regardless.
Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson
Jaylon Johnson has been a Pro Bowler each of his last two seasons, providing a shutdown cornerback for some otherwise disappointing Chicago Bears teams.
Johnson’s 2023 season was perhaps most indicative of his DPOY potential. Despite missing three games, he had four interceptions and broke up 10 passes with a pick-six. Johnson’s production took a slight dip in 2024, but if he can get back to that pace of production this season, he’ll be in Defensive Player of the Year conversations.
Cincinnati Bengals: Trey Hendrickson
Trey Hendrickson should be a strong Defensive Player of the Year contender in 2025. It’s just a matter of if it will be as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.
With trade rumors aplenty and a contract extension looming, Hendrickson has combined for 35 sacks in the last two seasons. He’s a tremendous pass rusher who finished second in DPOY voting last year.
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett
There have been eight Defensive Player of the Year winners who have won the award multiple times. Could Myles Garrett become the ninth?
Garrett won the award in 2023 and has finished top five in voting each of the last three seasons. With seven consecutive seasons with double-digit sacks, he’s the face of the Cleveland Browns and remains a perennial DPOY contender.
Dallas Cowboys: Micah Parsons
Despite missing four games in 2024 due to injury, Micah Parsons still made the Pro Bowl and tallied 12 sacks. His sack-per-game tally ended up being the highest of his career.
In his first three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Parsons finished top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting each year. The award remains just out of his grasp, but it feels like just a matter of time before Parsons takes home the hardware.
Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II became the first Denver Broncos player to win the award since Randy Gradishar in 1978.
Offenses dreaded seeing Patrick Surtain II across from them. 🏆
In recognition of being named the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the Hall of Fame has received a jersey and helmet from Denver @Broncos cornerback @PatSurtainll.
Surtain dominated the field all year,… pic.twitter.com/8d0WzO1UbO
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) May 10, 2025
Surtain is a certified shutdown cornerback who tied his career-high mark of four interceptions, adding a defensive touchdown to the mix. With his consistency in coverage and big-play ability, he should be considered a DPOY contender once again in 2025.
Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury five games into the 2024 season. In spite of this, he enters the season as the betting favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year.
It makes sense when you consider how productive Hutchinson was before his injury. In just five games, he had 7.5 sacks and seven TFLs. The Detroit Lions missed his presence off the edge significantly down the stretch. If he rebounds well from his injury, Hutchinson should be a strong DPOY contender.
Green Bay Packers: Xavier McKinney
Xavier McKinney had been one of the better starting safeties in the NFL during his stint in New York. Once he signed with the Green Bay Packers, though, his play rose to a whole new level.
With eight interceptions and 11 pass deflections, McKinney had elite production in an All-Pro 2024 campaign. He finished eighth in DPOY voting last year, and if he is to rise in the rankings this season, similar production will be necessary.
Houston Texans: Will Anderson Jr.
Picking a DPOY candidate for the Houston Texans was difficult, as both Danielle Hunter and Derek Stingley Jr. belong in the conversation. That said, it’s third-year edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. who gets the nod.
In 14 games last year, Anderson tallied 11 sacks and finished 14th in Defensive Player of the Year voting. If he can stay healthy for longer and build off that momentum, Anderson should be a prime contender for the award.
Indianapolis Colts: DeForest Buckner
With 58.5 sacks over his last seven seasons, DeForest Buckner has long been one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the NFL. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, but Buckner hasn’t been a Defensive Player of the Year finalist yet. If he manages to stay healthy for a full 17 games, that could change in 2025.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Hines-Allen
After an incredible season with 17.5 sacks in 2023, Josh-Hines Allen took a step back last year but still produced fairly well, finishing the year with eight sacks in 16 games.
The Jacksonville Jaguars rely heavily on Hines-Allen to get to the quarterback, as he’s the fifth-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL. If he bounces back to double digits, he’ll generate plenty of league-wide attention.
Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Jones
Though he dropped from 10.5 sacks in 2023 to just five in 2024, Chris Jones finished last year with his third consecutive first-team All-Pro nomination.
With Donald’s retirement, Jones has taken the mantle as the best defensive tackle in the NFL. His ability to get to the quarterback along the interior makes him the anchor of the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense.
Las Vegas Raiders: Maxx Crosby
With his tremendous motor and pass-rushing IQ, Maxx Crosby has been the face of the Las Vegas Raiders amidst QB instability these last few years.
Maxx Crosby played every single Raiders defensive snaps for a second straight week.
He saw chip blocks and RB help but finished the game with 5 pressures, 2 sacks, 4 TFLs, and a pass deflection pic.twitter.com/COkaUMk9BL
— Shawn Syed (@SyedSchemes) September 15, 2024
Crosby missed five games due to injury in 2024, but he’s made the Pro Bowl each of the last four seasons. He’s a superstar edge rusher who can put up the big-time sack numbers that DPOY voters love.
Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James Jr.
Khalil Mack deserves an honorable mention, but Derwin James Jr. is the Los Angeles Chargers’ top Defensive Player of the Year candidate heading into the 2025 season.
It’s unlikely a safety wins the award, given the emphasis on pass rushers and cornerbacks in recent winners. That said, James is one of the best at his position, and he’s been a Pro Bowler in three of his last four seasons, so he belongs in the conversation.
Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse
At first glance, Jared Verse might seem like a confusing Defensive Rookie of the Year pick last season. He only had 4.5 sacks for the Los Angeles Rams, but he led the NFL with 89 pressures.
Verse was a consistent force in Year 1, earning Pro Bowl recognition in the process. If he can convert more of those pressures to sacks, Verse can be a dark horse DPOY candidate when it’s all said and done.
Miami Dolphins: Zach Sieler
Zach Sieler deserves Defensive Player of the Year recognition, seeing as though he’s reached 10 sacks in each of his past two seasons. Though Jaelan Phillips could be a sleeper to watch, Sieler is the Miami Dolphins’ best defensive player.
This rings especially true with Jalen Ramsey likely on the way out once the Dolphins can work out a trade. Sieler hasn’t received formal Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition yet, which is an absolute shame.
Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Greenard
Jonathan Greenard exploded with 12.5 sacks for Houston in 2023, and upon moving to the Minnesota Vikings last offseason, he was able to finish with double-digit sacks for the second year in a row.
Greenard placed 11th in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2024. With a couple more sacks to his name, he would be able to rise up the rankings this season.
New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez
The New England Patriots didn’t have much to be grateful for in 2024, but one bright spot was Christian Gonzalez’s stellar play in his second NFL season.
Gonzalez was a second-team All-Pro who also generated votes in PFSN’s 2024 All-Pro voting. Going into Year 3, he should be considered a top cornerback and a sleeper DPOY candidate for 2025.
New Orleans Saints: Demario Davis
Going into a rebuilding year, the New Orleans Saints don’t have much in the way of star power on their roster. However, Demario Davis has been a consistent presence on their defense the last eight years.
The 2024 season marked the first since 2018 that Davis wasn’t an All-Pro linebacker. However, he still finished with 136 tackles and seven pass deflections. It will be interesting to see how he performs after turning 36 this past January.
New York Giants: Dexter Lawrence II
A Pro Bowl defensive tackle for three years running, Dexter Lawrence II is coming off a career-high nine sacks in 2024. That’s an incredibly rare feat for a player who’s 340 pounds.
The New York Giants have a nasty pass-rushing trio off the edge in Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, Lawrence is the one who’s been the star of the show these last few seasons.
New York Jets: Sauce Gardner
Coming off three Pro Bowl seasons in a row, Quinnen Williams deserves consideration as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Even coming off a down year, though, Sauce Gardner is the name to watch on the New York Jets’ defense for award recognition.
Gardner was a Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons with the Jets. Off his pedigree alone, he’s a strong DPOY candidate if he can bounce back in 2025.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Carter
Zack Baun exploded in an All-Pro season in 2024, and Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean could both take big leaps in Year 2 of their NFL careers. But when you think about the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense, Jalen Carter should be the first name that comes to mind.
The runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Carter was a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in Year 2. He’s already accomplished a lot, including his Super Bowl victory last year. Next up on Carter’s wishlist should be Defensive Player of the Year.
Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt, the 2021 DPOY winner, has been the anchor of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense for much of his NFL career. Watt finished fourth in DPOY voting last year and has been top three for the award in four of the last six seasons.
As long as he stays healthy, Watt is a perennial contender for the spot of the best defensive player in all of football.
San Francisco 49ers: Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa was the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, and he’s been a Pro Bowler five times in his six NFL seasons.
Injuries took three games from Bosa’s 2024 season, but he still finished with nine sacks. He’s a practical guarantee to reach double-digit sacks if he can stay healthy. When you have an edge rusher who’s that consistent, he’ll naturally find himself in the middle of DPOY conversations.
Seattle Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon
With just one interception in two seasons in the NFL, Devon Witherspoon might not wow you in the box score. However, he’s graded as one of the most well-rounded cornerbacks in the league each of those two seasons.
Witherspoon has two Pro Bowl appearances in as many seasons in the NFL. Teams already know he’s good; he just needs to increase his turnover count to get to that next level and win over DPOY voters.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antoine Winfield Jr.
Antoine Winfield Jr. played in just nine games last year, preventing him from achieving his second All-Pro nomination in a row. That said, it’s clear he’s one of the best safeties in the NFL when healthy.
Winfield finished sixth in DPOY voting when he tallied three interceptions and a league-leading six forced fumbles in 2023. If he can replicate that production this season, he’ll naturally find himself in the conversation when award season comes around.
Tennessee Titans: Jeffery Simmons
Jeffery Simmons is the anchor of the Tennessee Titans’ defense. A three-time Pro Bowler over the last four seasons, he’s consistently been one of the NFL’s best interior defensive linemen.
Simmons might not have the elite sack production to generate DPOY consideration; he hasn’t reached double-digit sacks in a season yet. But he’s a bona fide star up the middle and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
Washington Commanders: Bobby Wagner
Heading into Year 14 of his illustrious NFL career, Bobby Wagner is as good now as he’s ever been. That feels absurd to say, but it’s true.
Wagner has been an All-Pro for a whopping 11 seasons in a row. He’s a future first-ballot Hall of Famer and still one of the best off-ball linebackers in the game today.
