HOUSTON — The Texans have signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a groundbreaking three-year, $150 million extension. This deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, with an impressive $134 million guaranteed.
This new record surpasses the previous one held by Micah Parsons, who signed a four-year, $188 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, including $120 million fully guaranteed.
Anderson’s contract comes soon after the Texans picked up his fifth-year option for 2027. Last season, he had a standout performance, logging 12 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and being crucial to a defense that ranked second in both scoring and total yards allowed.
His numbers tell only part of the story. Advanced metrics show he was a force in both run defense and pass rush. Among those with at least 150 run snaps, he ranked seventh in run stop rate, third in run stuffs, and second in pressures, according to Next Gen Stats.
Anderson finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, just behind Myles Garrett, who set a new single-season sack record. The Texans’ defense was tough last year, allowing only 17.3 points and 279 yards per game. They created chaos for top quarterbacks like Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Sam Darnold, forcing a total of eight turnovers in those matchups. Anderson contributed significantly, with four sacks and six tackles for loss.
In the playoffs, he made his mark again, helping the Texans upset the Pittsburgh Steelers. His strip sack led to a touchdown, putting Houston up 17-6 in the fourth quarter.
This contract isn’t just about Anderson; it’s part of a broader trend in Houston. Recently, the Texans also signed defensive end Danielle Hunter to a one-year, $40 million deal, and tight end Dalton Schultz to a one-year extension worth $12.6 million. Their kicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn, became the highest-paid at his position with a two-year, $13 million extension.
Anderson joined the Texans in dramatic fashion during the 2023 draft. Houston took quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second pick and then traded up to select Anderson third overall, giving up a significant haul to do so.
Since the arrival of Anderson and Stroud, the Texans have shown impressive growth, with a record of 32-19 during the regular season. They have celebrated three playoff victories and secured two AFC South titles.
As the Texans continue to build around these star players, it’s clear they are setting themselves up for long-term success in the league.
