Houston Texans Sign 2025 All-Pro Defensive End to a Monster Extension
Better to get the deal done early than risk letting a superstar slip through your fingers. Will Anderson Jr., a superstar edge rusher for the Houston Texans, has signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the team, as reported by Ian Rapoport. The annual salary of 50 million dollars, as well as the 134 million guaranteed, makes Anderson the highest-paid non-quarterback ever, surpassing Micah Parsons’ contract with the Green Bay Packers from last August. The deal also comes with a no-trade clause, meaning the 2025 All-Pro defensive end gets to remain a Texan for as long as he wishes. Houston is investing a lot in him and has confidence that the 24-year-old will continue to contribute greatly to their future.
From the beginning, the Texans have put a lot of stock in their young defensive star. On the night of the 2023 NFL Draft, just moments after selecting Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick, the Texans gave up the 12th overall pick, a 2023 second-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 third-round pick for a 2023 fourth-rounder and the third overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. They used this pick to select Anderson, a phenomenal defensive end from Alabama. Through three years, it is safe to say that this blockbuster trade was worth it. He’s racked up 30 sacks and 46 tackles-for-loss in this timeframe, including a Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2025. With these accolades, the 24-year-old has consistently ranked among the top edge rushers in the NFL.
Furthermore, these are not just empty stats that Anderson is putting up. Last season, the Texans featured one of the best defenses in the league, finishing in the top six in passing yards, rushing yards, total yards, and points allowed. As a result, the Texans have managed to clinch postseason births in all three of Anderson’s seasons with the team and won a playoff game each year as well. The 2025 All-Pro defensive end has led the charge on the defensive side of the ball that has turned the Houston Texans into a consistent playoff contender, and with this new contract, he will continue to do so for years to come.
