Texans Sign Will Anderson Jr. to 3-Year, $150 Million Extension

The Houston Texans and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. agreed to a three-year, $150 million contract extension on April 17, 2026, according to a source who spoke to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal includes $134 million in guaranteed money and positions Anderson as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.

This extension surpasses the four-year, $188 million contract signed by Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons, which included $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees.

Performance Highlights

Anderson, in his third year, recorded 12 sacks, tying for eighth in the NFL, and 20 tackles for loss, tying for fourth last season.

6%, third in run stuffs with 13, and second in pressures with 85. His efforts contributed to him finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who set the NFL single-season sack record with 23.

Team Defensive Achievements

The Texans allowed the second-fewest points per game at 17.

2 last season. The defense forced turnovers from several quarterbacks, including eight combined from Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert, Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen, Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, and Seattle Seahawks' Sam Darnold. In those games, Anderson totaled four sacks, six tackles for loss, and a forced fumble that he recovered for a touchdown against the Seahawks.

“The Texans and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr.”

Playoff Impact and Draft Background In

the Texans' playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the defense forced quarterback Aaron Rodgers into two turnovers returned for touchdowns and sacked him four times.

Anderson contributed with a strip sack of Rodgers, recovered by defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins for a touchdown that extended the lead to 17-6 in the fourth quarter. The Texans exercised Anderson's 2027 fifth-year option on April 8, 2026, as a precursor to this extension.

Recent Team Extensions

This deal is part of several recent extensions by the Texans, including a one-year, $40 million contract for All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter.

6 million extension, and kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn signed a two-year, $13 million deal, making him the highest-paid at his position. J. Stroud second overall and trading up to select Anderson third overall in 2023, the Texans have a 32-19 regular-season record, three playoff wins, and two AFC South titles.

The trade to acquire the third pick from the Arizona Cardinals involved sending the 12th overall pick, the 33rd overall pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 third-round pick.