The Houston Texans have handed Will Anderson Jr. an astonishing new $150million three-year contract – the most lucrative salary ever awarded to a player that isn’t a quarterback.
The 24-year-old Anderson, a defensive end, has already recorded 30 sacks in three seasons on a defense that is feared across the NFL.
Now, he has been rewarded with a contract that will turn the market on its head. The deal has $134million guaranteed, as well as a no-trade clause to make sure he remains in Houston.
The Texans drafted him in 2023 with the third pick in the first round after he was a three-year starter at Alabama at college level.
The Texans traded up to take Anderson after initially choosing their starting quarterback CJ Stroud with the No. 2 pick.
Anderson, who stands at 6′ 4″ and 243 pounds, has seen rivals in his position cash in over recent months but his $50million-a-year deal marks a new high.
The Houston Texans have handed Will Anderson Jr. an astonishing new $150million deal
Anderson, 24, has been magnificent since the Texans drafted him back in 2023
Myles Garrett signed a $40million deal last March and Micah Parsons got a $46m contract after being traded from the Dallas Cowboys to the Green Bay Packers.
Last season, the Texans made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs before losing 28-16 to eventual Super Bowl finalists, New England Patriots.
Anderson and his team started the 2025 season badly, going 0-3. But eventually things clicked into gear and they rounded out the regular season with a nine-game winning streak.
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