Texans Make Will Anderson Jr. Highest-Paid Non-QB with No-Trade Clause

The pass rusher's massive contract extension includes a rare no-trade provision.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:38pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, energetic brushstrokes in neon shades of orange, yellow, and blue, capturing the raw power and athleticism of a dominant NFL pass rusher in motion, with the player's face and uniform details dissolving into unrecognizable splatters of paint.The Texans' massive investment in star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. signals their commitment to building a championship-caliber defense around the league's newest highest-paid non-quarterback.Houston Today

The Houston Texans have signed star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. to a three-year, $150 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal includes a rare no-trade clause, which gives Anderson control over his future and is only the second time a defensive player has received such a provision.

Why it matters

Anderson has been the centerpiece of the Texans' resurgence, helping transform their defense into one of the league's best over the past three seasons. Locking him up long-term with a lucrative contract and no-trade clause signals the team's commitment to building around the 24-year-old as they aim to become a consistent playoff contender.

The details

Anderson's new deal includes $134 million in guaranteed money, surpassing the previous high for a non-QB of $46.5 million per year set by the Cowboys' Micah Parsons. The three-year term is shorter than the typical four-year extension for top edge rushers, allowing Anderson to potentially earn an even bigger payday in the future as the market continues to rise. The no-trade clause, which is extremely rare for defensive players, gives Anderson control over his future and ensures the Texans cannot move him without his approval.

  • In 2023, the Texans traded up to select Anderson one pick after taking quarterback C.J. Stroud.
  • Over the past three seasons, the Texans have advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs each year.
  • Last year, the Texans signed cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. to a three-year, $90 million extension.

The players

Will Anderson Jr.

A 24-year-old pass rusher who has emerged as the face of the Texans' franchise and one of the NFL's premier defensive players.

C.J. Stroud

The Texans' starting quarterback, whom they selected in the 2023 NFL Draft one pick after taking Anderson.

Derek Stingley Jr.

The Texans' All-Pro cornerback who signed a three-year, $90 million extension with the team last year.

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What’s next

The Texans will look to continue building around Anderson and Stroud as they aim to become a consistent Super Bowl contender in the coming years.

The takeaway

By making Will Anderson Jr. the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history and giving him a rare no-trade clause, the Texans have solidified him as the centerpiece of their franchise and signaled their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around the elite pass rusher.