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NFL awards: Wide open Rookie of the Year races so far in 2019

By A.J. Fagerlin

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars walks off the field during halftime against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars walks off the field during halftime against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on September 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants is hit by Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants is hit by Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year

Shaquil Barrett, EDGE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After going to Tampa Bay on a one-year deal in free agency, Shaq Barrett is proving that he deserves to get paid big-time this upcoming offseason. After totaling 14.0 sacks in four seasons with the Denver Broncos, Barrett has quickly racked up 9.0 sacks in just four weeks this year.

Wanting to be a starter, and coming from a team that had Von Miller and new star Bradley Chubb at the edge of their defensive line, there was a slim chance that Barrett was going to return to the Broncos this year. He opted for a short, one-year, prove-it type deal with the Buccaneers. He is certainly proving himself.

On top of his nine sacks, Barrett has 20 total tackles, seven for a loss, as well as three forced fumbles and two passes defended. Barrett is making plays for a defense that has been longing for a defensive force for years in Tampa Bay.

Myles Garrett, Khalil Mack, and Devin McCourty are all in contention for this honor, but Barrett is on pace for 36 sacks. The current record for most sacks in an NFL season is 22.5. Now I’m sure Barrett won’t quite reach that number of 36, but he is off to an incredible start and with any sustainability, he could threaten Michael Strahan’s record.

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