Myles Garrett entered the 2026 season as the defending Defensive Player of the Year, but a bold prediction from Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon now puts Aidan Hutchinson ahead in the odds, suggesting Garrett could lose his crown after moving to the Los Angeles Rams.
How did the prediction arise?
The forecast appeared in a June 2026 column that highlighted Garrett’s upcoming transition to the Rams and Hutchinson’s breakout 2025 campaign. Gagnon noted the betting line sits at +800 for Hutchinson, framing the Rams switch as a potential dip in Garrett’s production. The article points out that no player has won back‑to‑back DPOY honors in nearly a decade, so the historical trend favors a new winner.
What do the recent stats say?
Garrett’s 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns ended with a league‑leading 23 sacks, earning him his second DPOY award after a 14‑sack debut season in 2023. Hutchinson, meanwhile, posted 14.5 sacks in 2025 and led all pass rushers with 100 quarterback pressures, according to PFF, while Garrett ranked fourth with 84 pressures. Those numbers suggest Hutchinson closed the gap on the veteran’s dominance.
Why could the Rams move affect Garrett?
Garrett will turn 31 before the 2026 opener and will be wearing a new jersey for the first time in his career. The article warns that adjusting to a new defensive scheme could slow his early‑season impact, especially as the Rams integrate new personnel. In contrast, Hutchinson returns to Detroit for his fifth year, now backed by veteran D.J. Wonnum, Payton Turner and rookie Derrick Moore, giving him a stronger support cast.
What does this mean for the DPOY race?
If Hutchinson builds on his 2025 momentum, the 26‑year‑old could become the first player since the early 2010s to claim the award in his fifth season, mirroring Garrett’s own timeline. Meanwhile, Garrett’s 2026 performance will be the key variable; a strong start could nullify the odds, but a sluggish adjustment may hand the prize to Detroit’s rising star.
How will teams respond?
Both the Rams and Lions are expected to tailor their defensive game plans around their marquee pass rushers. Detroit’s upgraded line, featuring Alim McNeill’s health boost, should give Hutchinson more one‑on‑one opportunities. Los Angeles, meanwhile, may lean on Garrett’s experience to anchor a younger front seven, hoping his veteran instincts offset any early‑season growing pains.
What’s next for the award outlook?
The DPOY race will likely tighten after Week 4, when early statistics solidify trends. Analysts will watch Garrett’s sack totals against the Rams’ offensive line and Hutchinson’s pressure metrics against the Lions’ schedule. The betting market will adjust accordingly, but as of the June 2026 prediction, Hutchinson holds the edge.
How will fans react?
Rams supporters are already debating whether Garrett can replicate his 23‑sack season in a new system. Lions fans, energized by Hutchinson’s 2025 surge, are rallying behind a potential first‑time DPOY winner. Social media chatter reflects a split narrative: optimism for Garrett’s continued greatness versus excitement for Hutchinson’s ascent.
What could change the equation?
Injuries, mid‑season trades, or a surprise breakout from another pass rusher could reshuffle the leaderboard. But as the June analysis underscores, the primary storyline hinges on Garrett’s adaptation to Los Angeles and Hutchinson’s ability to sustain his pressure dominance.
Bottom line?
The 2026 Defensive Player of the Year race is set to be a duel between a proven veteran and a hungry young talent. Garrett’s legacy hangs in the balance, while Hutchinson’s rise could rewrite the award’s recent history.