Texans Make NFL History With Will Anderson Contract Extension
The Houston Texans have made it to the AFC Divisional Round in each of the last three seasons, and defensive end Will Anderson is one of the biggest reasons why. The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder has 30 sacks over 46 career games and tied for eighth with 12 sacks last season.
The Texans picked Anderson third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after notching seven sacks and 45 tackles across 15 games. The former Alabama Crimson Tide player then tallied 11 sacks across 14 games in 2024.
Anderson signed a historic contract extension with Houston on Friday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"Source: Will Anderson is signing a three-year $150 million extension that makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history," he reported. "The deal includes $134 million guaranteed."
Source: Will Anderson is signing a three-year $150 million extension that makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal includes $134 million guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/tYNUR641oc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 17, 2026
Texans Set Up to Have Elite Defense for Years
Houston picked up the fifth-year option on Anderson's contract on April 8, and this extension keeps him under contract through 2030. The fact that the organization gave him the richest non-quarterback deal in history shows its commitment to fielding an elite defense.
In addition to Anderson, the Texans have fellow All-Pros in defensive end Danielle Hunter and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Meanwhile, middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair made the Pro Bowl in 2025.
Houston allowed an NFL-low 277.2 yards per game last season and ranked second with 17.4 average points allowed. The only squad that allowed fewer points was the Seattle Seahawks (17.2), who won the Super Bowl.
However, the Texans' offense held the team back, as they lost 28-16 to the New England Patriots in the divisional round. Quarterback C.J. Stround tossed four interceptions, and running back Woody Marks lost a fumble. The defense tallied three turnovers on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, but that wasn't enough.
If Houston can get its offense anywhere near the level of its defense sometime over the next few years, it'll be a Super Bowl favorite. It's fair to wonder if Stroud is the right man to be under center, as he tied for 21st in the NFL with 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions over 14 games last season. While the squad has gotten to the playoffs each year with him, it's gotten bounced in the divisional by the Baltimore Ravens (2023), the Kansas City Chiefs (2024), and the Patriots.
The Texans have the No. 28 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which starts on Thursday.
Related: Texans Makes $25 Million Decision on C.J. Stroud After 12-5 NFL Season
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 11:15 AM.