Houston Texans sign Will Anderson Jr to record-breaking $150m contract
The Houston Texans have signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr to a historic three-year, $150m extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The lucrative new agreement includes an astonishing $134m in guaranteed money.
It surpasses the financial benchmark set last August when Micah Parsons signed his massive extension with the Green Bay Packers.
Houston had previously exercised the 2027 fifth-year option for their cornerstone defender as a necessary precursor to this major long-term commitment.
Anchoring an elite defence
The third-year edge rusher was instrumental in Houston’s success last season, recording 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
His dynamic performances helped the franchise cultivate the league’s second-ranked scoring defence, allowing just 17.3 points per game.
Advanced metrics further highlight the 2023 third-overall draft pick’s dominance, ranking him second in the NFL with 85 total quarterback pressures.
These disruptive displays placed the imposing pass rusher second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, finishing only behind Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.
Playoff heroics and team building
The defensive talisman continually delivered in crucial moments, including a decisive strip-sack on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during a tense playoff victory.
He also tormented elite opposition throughout the regular season, notably recovering a forced fumble for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.
This monumental extension is part of a broader retention strategy by the Texans’ front office to maintain their formidable defensive unit.
Fellow pass rusher Danielle Hunter recently secured a one-year, $40m deal, while tight end Dalton Schultz and kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn have also been rewarded with lucrative new contracts.
