NFL news: Will Anderson Jr signs $150 million extension with Houston Texans, becoming highest paid non QB

NFL Network has reported a big update, and it’s hard to miss. The Houston Texans have locked in their young star Will Anderson Jr. with a three-year, $150 million extension. As per insider Ian Rapoport, the deal includes $134 million guaranteed and even a non-trade clause. That makes Anderson the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history right now.

Will Anderson Jr. earns record deal after dominant 2025 season

This deal didn’t come out of nowhere. Will Anderson Jr. just had the best season of his career in 2025, and it showed in every stat. He finished with 12 sacks, which was his highest so far. On top of that, he added three forced fumbles, 54 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hits.Then there’s pressure, something not everyone notices at first. According to Next Gen Stats, Anderson had 85 quarterback pressures, the second-most in the entire league. That tells you how often he was disrupting plays, even when he didn’t get the sack.Because of this, he earned First-Team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career. He also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, just behind Myles Garrett.If you look at his growth, it’s clear. He had seven sacks as a rookie in 2023, then 11 in 2024, and now 12. Every year, he’s getting better. That steady rise made this contract feel like the next logical step.

Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter lead Texans defense under DeMeco Ryans

Another reason behind this deal is how well Anderson has worked with Danielle Hunter. The two have formed one of the most dangerous pass-rush duos in the league.In 2025, both players finished in the top 10 in sacks. Together, they combined for 27 sacks, which made life very hard for opposing quarterbacks. Just last month, on March 5, the Texans gave Hunter a one-year $40.1 million extension. So now, both stars are secured.Head coach DeMeco Ryans has built this team around defense. That identity is clear. And right now, Anderson is at the center of it.Since being drafted No. 3 overall in 2023, he has delivered right away. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl twice, and quickly became one of the most important players on the team.The Texans see him as a long-term leader. This contract proves it. They are not just rewarding past performance, they are betting on what he will keep doing in the future.