Most Sacks in an NFL Season: Who holds the single-season record?

Updated Nov. 24, 2024 7:17 a.m. ET

Data Skrive

Which players have posted the most sacks on defense in a single NFL season? You'll find that list in this article.

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Most Single-Season Sacks in NFL History

Leaderboard excludes records set prior to the AFL-NFL merger.
Name (Year)	Team	Sacks
T.J. Watt (2021)	Steelers	22.5
Michael Strahan (2001)	Giants	22.5
Mark Gastineau (1984)	Jets	22.0
Jared Allen (2011)	Vikings	22.0
Justin Houston (2014)	Chiefs	22.0
Reggie White (1987)	Eagles	21.0
Chris Doleman (1989)	Vikings	21.0
Lawrence Taylor (1986)	Giants	20.5
J.J. Watt (2012)	Texans	20.5
Aaron Donald (2018)	Rams	20.5
J.J. Watt (2014)	Texans	20.5
Derrick Thomas (1990)	Chiefs	20.0
DeMarcus Ware (2008)	Cowboys	20.0
Aldon Smith (2012)	49ers	19.5
Tim Harris (1989)	Packers	19.5
Robert Mathis (2013)	Colts	19.5
Shaquil Barrett (2019)	Buccaneers	19.5
DeMarcus Ware (2011)	Cowboys	19.5
Chandler Jones (2019)	Cardinals	19.0
T.J. Watt (2023)	Steelers	19.0
Mark Gastineau (1983)	Jets	19.0
Robert Quinn (2013)	Rams	19.0
Bruce Smith (1990)	Bills	19.0
Clyde Simmons (1992)	Eagles	19.0
Nick Bosa (2022)	49ers	18.5
Dexter Manley (1986)	Redskins	18.5
Jason Taylor (2002)	Dolphins	18.5
Robert Quinn (2021)	Bears	18.5
Andre Tippett (1984)	Patriots	18.5
Michael Strahan (2003)	Giants	18.5
Von Miller (2012)	Broncos	18.5