NFL Insider: Steelers' T.J. Watt 'Perceived' as Favorite for 2024-25 DPOY Award

Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive end T.J. Watt is reportedly expected to add more hardware to his mantle by the end of the season.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Watt "is perceived as the favorite right now" to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Watt, who won the award in 2021, is in the midst of another strong campaign with 54 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three passes defended through 14 games. However, this year's race for DPOY isn't as clear-cut as it was in previous seasons.

As ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted, "Though Watt is the most consistent name that comes up when talking with NFL personnel, this race feels more wide open than in past years," increasing the chances of a defensive back taking home the award for the first time since Stephon Gilmore in 2019.

Fowler named Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph as potential candidates since they lead the league with seven interceptions apiece. Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who has five interceptions, was also mentioned as a player in the running for the award.

In addition to Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, Graziano named a pair of edge rushers who could challenge Watt for DPOY in Nik Bonitto of the Broncos and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals. Hendrickson, who leads the NFL with 12.5 sacks, would likely have a better shot at overtaking Watt for the award if the Bengals had a better record amid their disappointing 6-8 campaign.

With three games left in the regular season, all signs point to Watt winning his second DPOY award, but it's clear that he will have some competition before he truly locks it up.