Patrick Surtain II Eyes Another DPOY Run Amid Rivalry Talk With Myles Garrett

The Denver Broncos defense continues to be defined by its elite talent in the secondary, and at the center of that unit stands Patrick Surtain II. Widely regarded as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, Surtain has built a reputation for consistency, technique, and shutdown coverage since entering the league.

Even after an injury-affected 2025 season that included a late-year pectoral issue, Surtain’s standing among the league’s top defensive backs remains largely unchanged. His impact when healthy has consistently placed him in the conversation for the best cornerback in football.

His 2024 campaign reinforced that status in emphatic fashion. Surtain earned the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after a standout season that showcased his ability to disrupt passing attacks at an elite level and anchor a strong Broncos defensive unit.

That award also placed him in a recent pattern of recognition involving pass-rushing star Myles Garrett, who claimed Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023 and 2025. With Garrett now moving to the Los Angeles Rams, attention has shifted toward whether Surtain can reclaim the award in 2026.

1. Surtain Embraces The Competition

Following Garrett’s trade to the Rams, Surtain was asked about the possibility of re-entering the DPOY conversation and potentially reclaiming the award in the upcoming season. His response reflected both confidence and a willingness to embrace competition at the highest level. Rather than shying away from the question, Surtain welcomed the idea of continuing a competitive cycle between himself and Garrett. He suggested that the Defensive Player of the Year race could become an ongoing back-and-forth between two of the league’s most dominant defenders. His remarks highlighted a mindset that has helped define his career so far. Surtain has consistently shown confidence in his abilities without overstating expectations, instead letting his performance on the field drive his reputation. For a player in a position where statistical production can often be less visible than other defensive roles, Surtain’s willingness to embrace the spotlight underscores how highly he values competing against the league’s best.

2. A Rare Feat For A Cornerback

Surtain’s 2024 Defensive Player of the Year campaign stood out not only because of his performance but also because of the position he plays. Cornerbacks rarely win the award, which is often dominated by pass rushers and front-seven defenders who accumulate more easily tracked statistics. During that standout season, Surtain recorded four interceptions and 11 pass breakups across 16 games, while also serving as the primary shutdown option in Denver’s secondary. His impact extended beyond box-score numbers, as opposing quarterbacks frequently avoided targeting his side of the field altogether. Advanced metrics further supported his case, with Surtain grading as one of the most efficient and effective defenders in coverage across the league. His ability to erase top receivers contributed significantly to the Broncos’ overall defensive success. Despite that success, repeating such a campaign is widely considered difficult for cornerbacks. The nature of the position means fewer opportunities for splash plays, and opponents often adjust game plans to minimize direct matchups with elite defensive backs.

3. Looking Ahead To A Competitive Defensive Race

As the league turns toward the 2026 season, Surtain’s challenge becomes even more complex. The Defensive Player of the Year race is expected to feature several elite defenders, including established pass rushers and emerging defensive stars across the NFL. Garrett’s move to the Rams adds another layer to the conversation. Even in a new environment, he remains one of the most productive and disruptive defensive players in football, capable of influencing games through consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With Garrett continuing to generate high sack totals and Surtain tasked with shutting down passing attacks, the comparison between the two highlights the different ways elite defenders impact the game. Their contrasting roles often make award debates both difficult and highly subjective. Still, Surtain appears focused on his own performance rather than external narratives. After already reaching the top of the defensive recognition mountain once, he enters the new season aiming to replicate that success and further solidify his status among the league’s elite. For Denver, that ambition represents a cornerstone of their defensive identity moving forward.