Between Aaron Donald and J.J. Watt, they have 6 of the last 12 NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. But both are now retired.
The last 3 winners have been edge defenders with big sack totals — Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett (2023), San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa (2022) and J.J.’s younger brother, Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt (2021).
In 2024, the Chicago Bears are expected to be better, potentially competing for a spot in the postseason. Perhaps no other player changed how his team’s defense performed on the field than DE Montez Sweat, who led both the Bears and the Washington Commanders in sacks last season — he was traded from Washington to Chicago midseason.
After combining for 12.5 sacks between the 2 teams, Sweat is a fantastic value to win this coming season’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year.