- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Hart Today
By the People, for the People
Texans Exercise Fifth-Year Option for All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr.
The Texans lock up their star pass rusher through the 2027 season.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:07pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Texans' investment in star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. signals their intent to build a championship contender around their young defensive core.Hart TodayThe Houston Texans have exercised the fifth-year option on the contract of star defensive end Will Anderson Jr., keeping the All-Pro pass rusher under team control through the 2027 season. Anderson, who is considered the new face of the Texans' franchise, is coming off a dominant 2026 campaign where he finished top 10 in the NFL in several key defensive categories.
Why it matters
Retaining Anderson long-term is a crucial move for the Texans as they look to build a championship-caliber roster around their young core of talent. As one of the league's premier edge rushers, Anderson's presence is vital to the Texans' defensive success and this option pickup ensures he will remain in Houston for at least the next five seasons.
The details
The Texans have picked up the fifth-year option on Anderson's rookie contract, which will pay him $21.5 million in 2027. This comes after the team also exercised the fifth-year option on quarterback C.J. Stroud, who will make $25.9 million in 2027. While Stroud is expected to eventually receive a contract extension, the Texans have made it clear that Anderson is their top priority for a long-term deal as the new face of the franchise.
- The Texans exercised the fifth-year options on Anderson and Stroud ahead of the start of the team's voluntary offseason workouts.
- In the 2026 season, Anderson finished top 10 in the NFL in pressures, QB hits, sacks (12), and tackles for loss (20).
The players
Will Anderson Jr.
A 24-year-old All-Pro defensive end for the Houston Texans, considered the new face of the franchise after a dominant 2026 season.
C.J. Stroud
The Texans' starting quarterback, who is also having his fifth-year option picked up by the team.
DeMeco Ryans
The head coach of the Houston Texans, under whom Anderson has thrived in the team's defensive scheme.
Danielle Hunter
A Pro Bowl defensive end who plays opposite Anderson on the Texans' defensive line.
Cal McNair
The owner of the Houston Texans, who expressed excitement about retaining Anderson and Stroud long-term.
What they’re saying
“They are exciting and really good young players we'll hope to have around for a long, long, long time.”
— Cal McNair, Owner, Houston Texans
What’s next
The Texans will now focus on signing Anderson to a long-term contract extension, which is considered their top priority this offseason.
The takeaway
By exercising the fifth-year option on Will Anderson Jr., the Texans have secured the services of one of the NFL's premier pass rushers for the next five seasons. This move underscores the team's commitment to building around Anderson and their young core as they aim to return to playoff contention in the coming years.
