“It’s an easy case to make”

No cornerback has been named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year since Stephon Gilmore in 2019. Sean Payton strongly believes Pat Surtain II should end that streak.

“It’s an easy case to make,” the Broncos head coach said. “Sometimes it’s a more difficult case to make, but certainly he’s deserving of that type of award. He’s that good.”

Surtain, Denver’s star defensive back, is currently a betting favorite to be named the AP Defensive Player of the Year, according to FanDuel. He is ahead of outside linebackers T.J. Watt (Steelers), Myles Garrett (Browns) and Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings), and safety Kerby Joseph (Lions).

Teammate and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has the ninth-best odds to win the award.

The last three winners have been edge rushers, most recently Garrett in 2023. Surtain, however, has a strong case to end that run.

Surtain has taken his game to another level after signing a four-year, $96 million extension in the offseason. In 15 games, he has given up 33 catches for 279 yards, two touchdowns and 56 passer rating on 54 targets. Surtain also has four interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six in a Week 5 win over the Raiders.

He was named to his third Pro Bowl in four years on Thursday, and will more than likely be named an All-Pro for the second time.