AP

If Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman had a vote, the NFL’s defensive player of the year would be Seahawks safety Earl Thomas.

“I would have to give it to Earl,” Sherman told Seahawks.com. “I think Earl is having a fantastic year. He’s flying around, tackling everywhere, forcing fumbles, getting interceptions. I don’t think there’s anybody out there playing better defense and I think our defense is No. 1 in the league. So usually the best quarterback with the best receivers isn’t punished for that, so don’t punish one of the best players on the best defense. So I think he should get it.”

Some would say Sherman himself should be defensive player of the year, an idea that Sherman does not oppose.

“If there’s anywhere the defensive player of the year should be it should be in Seattle,” Sherman said. “Whether it’s myself or Earl.”

In a year when the defensive player award seems to be wide open (Robert Mathis, Robert Quinn, Luke Kuechly, Vontaze Burfict and J.J. Watt will also get consideration), Sherman and Thomas are both strong candidates who may end up taking votes away from each other. Seattle is fortunate to have two defensive player of the year candidates playing together in the same secondary.