Myles Garrett, 23 in 2025.
Myles Garrett had 23 sacks for the Cleveland Browns in 2025, in 17 games: the NFL record. In 2026, Will Anderson Jr. leads with 8 through 7 games, on pace for 19.
The 2026 leaders against the record
Will Anderson Jr.7
19
Chase Young7
17
Greg Rousseau6
17
Dallas Turner6
17
T.J. Watt7
15
Carl Granderson 7
15
David Bailey7
15
Elijah Ponder7
15
DJ Wonnum6
14
Aidan Hutchinson 6
14
Pace is the total so far over the team's games played, times 17. The record is 23. Updated every few hours; full leaders on the NFL stat leaders page.
How the record moved
Myles GarrettCleveland Browns
T. J. WattPittsburgh Steelers, tied the record
Michael StrahanNew York Giants
Mark GastineauNew York Jets
Mark GastineauNew York Jets
Doug MartinMinnesota Vikings
Sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1982. The leaders before that are researchers' counts from film and play-by-play, shown here but not part of the record.
Most seasons leading the league
Deacon Jones1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969
T. J. Watt2020, 2021, 2023
Ed Husmann1961, 1962
Jim Katcavage1962, 1963
Larry Eisenhauer1963, 1965
Jack Youngblood1974, 1979
Al Baker1978, 1980
Mark Gastineau1983, 1984
Reggie White1987, 1988
Kevin Greene1994, 1996
Michael Strahan2001, 2003
Jared Allen2007, 2011
Every season's leader
2025Myles GarrettCleveland Browns
2024
Trey HendricksonCincinnati Bengals
2023T. J. WattPittsburgh Steelers
2022
Nick BosaSan Francisco 49ers
2021T. J. WattPittsburgh Steelers
2020T. J. WattPittsburgh Steelers
2019
Shaquil BarrettTampa Bay Buccaneers
2018
Aaron DonaldLos Angeles Rams
2017
Chandler JonesArizona Cardinals
2016
Vic BeasleyAtlanta Falcons
2015J. J. WattHouston Texans
2014
Justin HoustonKansas City Chiefs
2013
Robert MathisIndianapolis Colts
2012J. J. WattHouston Texans
2011Jared AllenMinnesota Vikings
2010
DeMarcus WareDallas Cowboys
2009
Elvis DumervilDenver Broncos
2008DeMarcus WareDallas Cowboys
2007Jared AllenKansas City Chiefs
2006
Shawne MerrimanSan Diego Chargers
2005
Derrick BurgessOakland Raiders
2004Dwight FreeneyIndianapolis Colts
2003Michael StrahanNew York Giants
2002
Jason TaylorMiami Dolphins
2001Michael StrahanNew York Giants
2000La'Roi GloverNew Orleans Saints
1999Kevin CarterSt. Louis Rams
1998
Michael SinclairSeattle Seahawks
1997John RandleMinnesota Vikings
1996
Kevin GreeneCarolina Panthers
1995Bryce PaupBuffalo Bills
1994Kevin GreenePittsburgh Steelers
1993Neil SmithKansas City Chiefs
1992
Clyde SimmonsPhiladelphia Eagles
1991Pat SwillingNew Orleans Saints
1990Derrick ThomasKansas City Chiefs
1989Chris DolemanMinnesota Vikings
1988Reggie WhitePhiladelphia Eagles
1987Reggie WhitePhiladelphia Eagles
1986Lawrence TaylorNew York Giants
1985
Richard DentChicago Bears
1984Mark GastineauNew York Jets
1983Mark GastineauNew York Jets
1982Doug MartinMinnesota Vikings
1981Joe KleckoNew York Jets · unofficial
1980Gary JohnsonSan Diego Chargers · unofficial
1980Al BakerDetroit Lions · unofficial
1979Jack YoungbloodLos Angeles Rams · unofficial
1978Al BakerDetroit Lions · unofficial
1977Harvey MartinDallas Cowboys · unofficial
1976Coy BaconCincinnati Bengals · unofficial
1975John DuttonBaltimore Colts · unofficial
1974Jack YoungbloodLos Angeles Rams · unofficial
1974Fred DryerLos Angeles Rams · unofficial
1973Bill StanfillMiami Dolphins · unofficial
1972Jack GregoryNew York Giants · unofficial
1971Cedrick HardmanSan Francisco 49ers · unofficial
1970Tony ClineOakland Raiders · unofficial
1969Steve DeLongSan Diego Chargers · AFL · unofficial
1969Deacon JonesLos Angeles Rams · unofficial
1969Carl EllerMinnesota Vikings · unofficial
1968Gerry PhilbinNew York Jets · AFL · unofficial
1968Deacon JonesLos Angeles Rams · unofficial
1967Ike LassiterOakland Raiders · AFL · unofficial
1967Deacon JonesLos Angeles Rams · unofficial
1966Verlon BiggsNew York Jets · AFL · unofficial
1966George AndrieDallas Cowboys · unofficial
1965Larry EisenhauerBoston Patriots · AFL · unofficial
1965Deacon JonesLos Angeles Rams · unofficial
1964Tom SestakBuffalo Bills · AFL · unofficial
1964Deacon JonesLos Angeles Rams · unofficial
1963Larry EisenhauerBoston Patriots · AFL · unofficial
1963Jim KatcavageNew York Giants · unofficial
1962
Ed HusmannHouston Oilers · AFL · unofficial
1962Jim KatcavageNew York Giants · unofficial
1961Ron NerySan Diego Chargers · AFL · unofficial
1961Ed HusmannHouston Oilers · AFL · unofficial
1961Gene LipscombPittsburgh Steelers · unofficial
1960Riley MorrisOakland Raiders · AFL · unofficial
1960Mel BranchDallas Texans · AFL · unofficial
1960Gino MarchettiBaltimore Colts · unofficial
Team names as they were that season. G is games played. Seasons ran 17 games from 2021, 16 from 1978 and 14 from 1961, fewer before, so older totals came in fewer games.
League leaders by team
Seasons a player of the franchise led the league, including its years under another name or in another city.
Questions
What is the NFL record for sacks in a season?
23, by Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns in 2025. It broke Michael Strahan's 22.5 from 2001.
Who had the most sacks before 1982?
Al Baker of the Detroit Lions, 23 in 1978 by the unofficial count. Sacks became an official NFL statistic in 1982. The leaders before that are researchers' counts from film and play-by-play, shown here but not part of the record.
Who leads the NFL in sacks in 2026?
Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans, with 8 in 7 games. That is a pace of 19 over 17 games, 4 short of the record.
Who led the NFL in sacks in 2025?
Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, with 23.
Who has led the NFL in sacks the most times?
Deacon Jones, 5 times (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968 and 1969).
Which team has had the most sacks leaders?
The Los Angeles Rams, 10 seasons, counted by franchise today.