Pittsburgh Steelers veteran defender T.J. Watt is off to a stellar start in the 2026 season, so much so that NFL legend Richard Sherman has tabbed him as an early favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

According to Sherman, Watt should be viewed as the early frontrunner for the 2026 DPOY award thanks to his red-hot start this season.

"Give me T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh," Sherman said about early DPOY projections via his podcast. "They're having a better season. He's always impactful. He's a big reason why they're [6 and 2.]"

Sherman hit the nail right on the head, as through eight games in 2026, Watt has recorded 19 combined tackles, nine tackles for loss, 12 QB hits and a league-leading 7.5 sacks.

Watt, who was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, didn't waste any time becoming one of the league's most feared edge rushers, recording 122.5 sacks and 37 forced fumbles in 143 career games. Earning four First-Team All-Pro selections, one Second-Team All-Pro selection, eight Pro Bowl honors and Defensive Player of the Year recognition in 2021, Watt is one of the most accomplished defenders currently active in the NFL.

Sherman, one of the best cornerbacks of his generation, knows greatness when he sees it, and Watt certainly fits that bill as an early favorite for the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award.

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