Will Anderson Jr. isn’t leaving Reliant Stadium anytime soon.
According to reports, the Houston Texans and the All-Pro defensive end agreed to terms on a three-year, $150 million extension on Friday, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal is expected to kick in after the 2027 season, thus keeping Anderson in Houston through 2030.
Entering the offseason, Anderson remained the team’s top priority after a stellar third year under head coach DeMeco Ryans’ scheme. As the face of the franchise, the former No. 3 overall pick finished top 10 in pressures, QB hits, sacks (12), and tackles for loss (20) while anchoring the No. 2-ranked total defense opposite Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.
Earlier this month, Houston exercised Anderson’s fifth-year option to keep him around through 2027. This was a precursor to the major contract extension that couldn’t get done earlier this offseason. It had been discussed ad nauseam that the former Alabama product would be the first of the two former first-round picks to receive a contract extension.
With the deal, the contract and annual salary surpass Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons’ deal signed last offseason. Parsons signed a four-year, $188 million contract extension that included $120 million fully guaranteed. The deal also passes Seattle Seahawks All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who signed a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension with an annual salary of $42.2 million this offseason.
Since Anderson’s arrival, the Texans have featured a top-10 defense in every campaign. They’ve also won 32 total games, earning two AFC South titles and three playoff wins.
A former All-American at the University of Alabama, Anderson has defied nearly every expectation the Texans had when they traded ample draft capital to move up from No. 12 to No. 3 to select him after Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud. In just three NFL seasons, Anderson already earned two Pro Bowl nods, an All-Pro honor and was named the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year while recording 30 sacks, 46 tackles for losses, three fumble recoveries and 64 quarterback hits.
Follow along with Texans Wire throughout the rest of the afternoon for more coverage.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans lock up All-Pro Will Anderson Jr. on three-year, $150 million extension
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
