Myles Garrett May Fall Short of Single-Season NFL Sack Record

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jay Canale | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 6:00 AM ET

When he reached the 18-sack mark in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season, Canton was likely already gathering up gloves and cleats from Myles Garrett, collecting testaments from what was surely going to be the season when Myles Garrett broke the league’s single-season sack record. He had six weeks to total five more sacks—an easy feat, given his astronomical 1.5 sacks per game pace at that point in the year.

Now, those expectations are in serious jeopardy. Garrett currently sits with 22 sacks, one shy of breaking the record. He didn’t record a single one against the Steelers on Sunday afternoon—Pittsburgh allowed him only six true one-on-one opportunities all game, per NextGenStats —meaning Garrett now needs one more sack in his final game of the year to surpass Michael Strahan.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) tries to get past Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) and guard Spencer Anderson (74) during the second half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.© Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The good news is this: Garrett plays the Bengals next week. Cincinnati holds PFF’s sixth-worst pass-blocking grade this season, and Garrett recorded two sacks against them in their matchup earlier this year. Barring an unusually quiet performance from the four-time All-Pro, Garrett should be able to eclipse the 22.5 mark in Week 18.

Garrett’s 2025 was another year spent building on his already-impressive legacy in Cleveland, despite a rocky start. Back in February, he requested a trade, citing his desire to win a Super Bowl as the reason for that decision. He ultimately decided to stay, however, signing a four-year, $123 million extension that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

Despite the Browns missing the playoffs once again, Garrett earned every penny of that deal this year. His career might not end with a Super Bowl ring, but if Garrett can take down Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow just once next weekend, he’ll surpass Giants legend Michael Strahan to set the NFL’s single-season sack record.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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