Will Anderson Jr. signs $150M extension, becomes NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback

Key facts

• Will Anderson Jr. signed a three-year, $150 million contract extension with the Houston Texans on Friday.
• The deal includes $134 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause.
• Anderson's $50 million annual salary makes him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.
• Anderson posted career highs in 2025: 12 sacks, 54 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
• He was a first-team All-Pro and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
• The Texans also extended Danielle Hunter on March 5 with a one-year, $40.1 million deal.
• Anderson and Hunter were the only teammates in the NFL's top 10 in sacks in 2025.
• Anderson is 24 years old and was drafted No. 3 overall in 2023.

A record-breaking deal for a defensive cornerstone

The Houston Texans have secured the future of their defense, signing star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. to a three-year, $150 million contract extension on Friday. The deal, reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, makes Anderson the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, with an annual salary of $50 million. The contract includes $134 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause, underscoring the Texans' commitment to their 24-year-old defensive leader. Anderson's extension comes just weeks after the Texans gave fellow pass rusher Danielle Hunter a one-year, $40.1 million extension on March 5. Together, Anderson and Hunter formed the league's most prolific sack tandem in 2025, combining for 27 sacks and becoming the only teammates to each rank in the top 10 in sacks. The moves solidify a defensive unit that ranked first in the NFL last season under head coach DeMeco Ryans.

From rookie sensation to All-Pro dominance

Anderson's rise has been swift since the Texans selected him with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He earned AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after posting seven sacks as a rookie, followed by 11 sacks in 2024. Last season, he set career highs across the board: 12 sacks, 54 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 23 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His 85 quarterback pressures ranked second in the NFL. His breakout campaign earned him first-team All-Pro honors and a second Pro Bowl selection. He also finished as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, placing second behind Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Anderson's sack totals have increased in each of his three professional seasons, a trajectory that the Texans are betting will continue.

The Hunter-Anderson tandem: A defensive nightmare

A key factor in Anderson's success has been his partnership with veteran Danielle Hunter. Since Hunter joined the Texans in 2024, the duo has terrorized opposing quarterbacks. Last season, Hunter recorded 16 sacks and 83 quarterback pressures, while Anderson's 12 sacks brought their combined total to 27. The pair benefited from playing in Ryans' 4-3 defensive scheme, which relies on multiple elite pass rushers to create pressure. With both players now under contract for the foreseeable future, the Texans have ensured continuity on a defense that has become the hallmark of the franchise. Anderson, in particular, has emerged as the face of the unit, a status now reflected in his record-setting contract.

Texans face looming decision on quarterback C.J. Stroud

While the defense is locked in, the Texans' attention now turns to the other side of the ball. The team exercised the fifth-year option on quarterback C.J. Stroud on the same day they exercised Anderson's option, and reports indicate they want to extend Stroud long-term. However, Stroud has struggled since his breakout rookie season, throwing four first-half interceptions—including a pick-six—in Houston's 28-16 divisional round loss to the New England Patriots. The decision on Stroud's extension will shape the Texans' salary cap and competitive window. With Anderson and Hunter commanding significant cap space, the team must weigh Stroud's potential against his recent performance. The outcome will determine whether Houston can maintain its status as perennial AFC contenders.

A lighthearted moment with LeBron James

Off the field, Anderson has drawn attention for his resemblance to NBA superstar LeBron James. The comparison has been a running joke among fans, and it reached a new level on Friday night when Anderson attended Game 6 of the Western Conference playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets. During the third quarter, James fell to the floor after a hard foul, and Anderson helped him up. After the game, James joked with reporters, calling Anderson his “fourth child” and claiming that Anderson and his son Bronny James are twins. “Me and Savannah have been trying to keep it under wraps for a long time,” James said with a smile. He added, “Unbelievable football player, deserving of everything that he’s got. It was definitely dope to see him.” The moment highlighted Anderson's growing profile beyond football.

What the extension means for Houston's future

Anderson's extension is a clear signal that the Texans are building around their young defensive star. At 24, he is already one of the league's premier pass rushers, and his contract sets a new benchmark for non-quarterbacks. The $134 million guaranteed ensures that Anderson will be a Texan for at least the next three years, providing stability for a defense that has been the team's strength. The deal also raises the stakes for the front office. With Anderson and Hunter locked in, the pressure is on to surround them with complementary talent and to resolve the quarterback situation. If Stroud returns to his rookie form, the Texans could emerge as a powerhouse. If not, the team may need to explore other options. For now, Houston has made its bet: defense first, with Anderson as the centerpiece.

The bottom line

• Will Anderson Jr. signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the Houston Texans, becoming the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.
• The deal includes $134 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause, reflecting the Texans' commitment to their defensive star.
• Anderson and Danielle Hunter form the NFL's most productive sack tandem, combining for 27 sacks in 2025.
• The Texans must now decide on a long-term extension for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who struggled in the playoffs.
• Anderson's off-field profile rose after a humorous interaction with LeBron James, who jokingly claimed him as his fourth child.