Texans' Will Anderson Jr. lands record $150M extension, top-paid non-QB in NFL

The 3-year deal makes the defensive end the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:26pm

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The Houston Texans have agreed to a 3-year, $150 million contract extension with defensive end Will Anderson Jr., making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal includes $134 million in guaranteed money and will keep Anderson in Houston through the 2030 season.

Why it matters

Anderson has emerged as one of the league's premier pass rushers, leading the Texans' defense with 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last season. Locking him up long-term is a major win for the rebuilding Texans as they look to build around their young core of talent.

The details

The $50 million per year Anderson will earn surpasses the $46.5 million per year defensive end Micah Parsons got when he signed a 4-year extension with the Packers last year. In 3 seasons with the Texans, Anderson has piled up 30 sacks, 136 tackles, 46 tackles for loss, 64 quarterback hits, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.

  • The Texans selected Anderson with the 3rd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • The Texans exercised Anderson's 5th-year player option earlier this month.

The players

Will Anderson Jr.

A 24-year-old defensive end for the Houston Texans who has emerged as one of the league's premier pass rushers.

Micah Parsons

A defensive end who signed a 4-year, $46.5 million per year extension with the Packers after a trade from the Cowboys, previously the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

C.J. Stroud

The quarterback selected 2nd overall by the Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Locking up Will Anderson long-term is a huge win for our franchise. He's a game-changing talent who is just scratching the surface of his potential.”

— Nick Caserio, Texans General Manager

What’s next

Anderson will report to the Texans' offseason program in the coming weeks to begin preparations for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Texans have made a major investment in their defensive core, securing one of the league's elite pass rushers through the prime of his career. This deal underscores the value teams place on dominant defensive playmakers in today's NFL.