Star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $150 million contract extension with the Houston Texans on Friday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
With a $50 million annual salary, including $134 million guaranteed, Anderson is now the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback ever, per Rapoport. The deal also reportedly includes a no-trade clause.
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The Texans have now locked up both of their edge rushers for a few more seasons after signing Danielle Hunter to a one-year, $40.1 million contract extension in March.
Anderson has been a linchpin in the Texans’ defense since being drafted No. 3 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Last season, Anderson finished with 54 tackles, 12 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries, all of which were career highs. His breakout season helped him become a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year and earn first-team All-Pro honors, as well as his second Pro Bowl selection.
Anderson and Hunter, who finished with 16 sacks and 83 quarterback pressures, benefit from playing alongside each other in Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans’ 4-3 defense, which thrives on having multiple elite pass rushers.
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With Anderson and Hunter signed, the Texans now have to decide whether to give quarterback C.J. Stroud an extension. The Texans exercised Stroud’s option on the same day they did Anderson’s and reportedly want to extend him long term. Stroud has struggled since his breakout rookie season and finished the year with four first-half interceptions, including a pick-six, in the Texans’ 28–16 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional round.