Myles Garrett's long-running rivalry with T.J. Watt just got a new chapter. A Pittsburgh Steelers insider claims Watt is fed up with what he calls the 'Myles Garrett treatment' in NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversations.
The claim comes from a report published on MSN on 10 Jul 2026. It suggests Watt believes he has been overlooked in favor of Garrett during recent award cycles. The insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Watt is done being compared to the Cleveland Browns star.
What is the 'Myles Garrett treatment'?
The phrase refers to a perceived bias toward Garrett in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Watt won the award in 2021 and 2023. Garrett took it home in 2022 and 2024.
But the insider claims Watt feels Garrett gets extra credit for flashy plays and highlight-reel sacks. Watt, known for his relentless consistency, thinks his own production gets undervalued. The tension has been building for years.
Why it matters for Myles Garrett
Garrett, 30, has built a Hall of Fame resume with the Browns. He's a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time DPOY. But this feud with Watt defines his era.
Every snap these two play gets compared. Every sack gets weighed. The 'Myles Garrett treatment' narrative puts Garrett at the center of a debate that won't fade. It keeps his name in headlines and his legacy under a microscope.
What comes next?
The Browns and Steelers meet twice every season. Their next matchup is scheduled for Week 6 of the 2026 season. Both players will be motivated.
Watt's camp wants the league to stop favoring Garrett. Garrett's camp will point to his 18.5 sacks in 2025 as proof he earned every vote. The war of words is just beginning.
For now, the 'Myles Garrett treatment' is a rallying cry for Watt. For Garrett, it's a badge of honor. The NFL's best defensive rivalry just got louder.