Will Anderson Now Has The Highest Contract For A Non-Quarterback In NFL History

Will Anderson Jr. has been a stalwart of the Houston Texans' vaunted defense. The All-Pro defensive end racked up 12 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 54 combined tackles last season, all career bests. The Texans see him as part of their long-term plans—and they're willing to pay to keep him around.

Anderson and the Texans agreed to a three-year, $150 million contract extension. The deal includes $134 million in guaranteed money and, in terms of average annual value, is the largest contract for a non-quarterback in NFL history.

The new deal for Anderson tops what the Green Bay Packers gave Micah Parsons after acquiring him from the Dallas Cowboys last year. Parsons has a larger deal overall at $188 million, but the average annual value ($47 million to $50 million) and guaranteed money ($120 million to $134 million) is less.

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Over his three seasons in the NFL, Anderson has helped the Texans become one of the league's best defenses. He's amassed 30 sacks, 64 QB hits, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Anderson was an All-Pro last season. He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, behind only Myles Garrett, who set the single-season sack record.

Back in 2023, the Texans drafted C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick. Houston then sent a massive haul to the Arizona Cardinals to move up to the third selection. Houston dealt the 12th overall pick, the 33rd overall pick, a first-round pick in 2024 and a third-rounder in 2024 for the honor of selecting Anderson.

It was a steep price, but Anderson has proven to be a sound investment. The Texans defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round, with the defense scoring multiple touchdowns. One of those was a strip sack caused when Anderson sacked Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The old cliché says defense wins championships, and the Texans are certainly approaching their roster construction that way. If the team gets several more of those monster plays from Anderson, the deal will be well worth it.