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Year-by-Year Sacks Leaders
For some seasons (1960-1969 & 1947-1950) leaders for both leagues are shown.
| Year | Player (age), + - HOFer, Bold - Active | Sk | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Jared Allen (25) | 15.5 | KAN |
| 2006 | Shawne Merriman (22) | 17.0 | SDG |
| 2005 | Derrick Burgess (27) | 16.0 | OAK |
| 2004 | Dwight Freeney (24) | 16.0 | IND |
| 2003 | Michael Strahan (32) | 18.5 | NYG |
| 2002 | Jason Taylor (28) | 18.5 | MIA |
| 2001 | Michael Strahan (30) | 22.5 | NYG |
| 2000 | La'Roi Glover (26) | 17.0 | NOR |
| 1999 | Kevin Carter (26) | 17.0 | STL |
| 1998 | Michael Sinclair (30) | 16.5 | SEA |
| 1997 | John Randle (30) | 15.5 | MIN |
| 1996 | Kevin Greene (34) | 14.5 | CAR |
| 1995 | Bryce Paup (27) | 17.5 | BUF |
| 1994 | Kevin Greene (32) | 14.0 | PIT |
| 1993 | Neil Smith (27) | 15.0 | KAN |
| 1992 | Clyde Simmons (28) | 19.0 | PHI |
| 1991 | Pat Swilling (27) | 17.0 | NOR |
| 1990 | Derrick Thomas (23) | 20.0 | KAN |
| 1989 | Chris Doleman (28) | 21.0 | MIN |
| 1988 | Reggie White+ (27) | 18.0 | PHI |
| 1987 | Reggie White+ (26) | 21.0 | PHI |
| 1986 | Lawrence Taylor+ (27) | 20.5 | NYG |
| 1985 | Richard Dent (25) | 17.0 | CHI |
| 1984 | Mark Gastineau (28) | 22.0 | NYJ |
| 1983 | Mark Gastineau (27) | 19.0 | NYJ |
| 1982 | Doug Martin (25) | 11.5 | MIN |