Texans Make Will Anderson Jr. Highest-Paid Non-QB with $150m Extension

52 articles · Updated · ESPN · Apr 17

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. has signed a three-year, $150 million contract extension, making him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.
The deal includes $134 million guaranteed and a full no-trade clause, following Anderson's standout 2025 season with 12 sacks and first-team All-Pro honors.
Anderson, drafted third overall in 2023, anchors Houston's elite defense and is now under contract through 2029, reinforcing the Texans' long-term ambitions.

How will the Texans solve their salary cap deficit after Anderson's record-setting $150 million deal?

Can one defensive player truly be as valuable to a franchise as an elite quarterback?

Could Will Anderson's historic contract become the NFL's next franchise-crippling cautionary tale?

Is investing $50M annually in a defender a smarter championship strategy than paying a top quarterback?

With Anderson’s deal resetting the market, will teams now aggressively trade up for defensive draft prospects?

After paying Anderson, will Houston hesitate on a massive extension for QB C.J. Stroud?