The Houston Texans have exercised the fifth-year options for quarterback C.J. Stroud and EDGE rusher Will Anderson Jr. As they prepare for long-term extensions, reports indicate that extending Anderson will be a costly endeavor.
The NFL offseason is rapidly approaching the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams have already begun shaping their rosters through free agency and have now turned their focus to offseason workouts.
The Houston Texans recently exercised the fifth-year options for both of their 2023 first-round picksāquarterback C.J. Stroud and EDGE rusher Will Anderson Jr. ā and will now look to secure each player with long-term extensions.
Since arriving from Alabama, Anderson has lived up to expectations. He has established himself as a dominant defensive force, a vocal leader, and a fan favorite.
MORE: New York Jets big draft day decision
That production comes at a price. Extending Anderson will not come cheap, and recent reports suggest just how high that number could climb.
According to those reports, Andersonās next contract could exceed $50 million per year. For comparison, the current record for a defensive player belongs to T.J. Watt at $41 million annually.
A deal of that magnitude would surpass the top defensive salary by nearly 20 percent and place Andersonās earnings in line with elite quarterback contracts. His talent may justify the priceābut the question remains whether it makes sense for Houston.
The Texans already boast a talented, well-rounded defense, and committing that much money to one side of the ball carries riskāespecially with Stroudās future extension also looming.
MORE: Adam Schefter hints at concerning A.J. Brown future with Eagles
At the same time, Anderson offers rare, irreplaceable talent. Players of his caliber rarely become available, making him a cornerstone worth serious investment.
Fortunately for Houston, time remains on its side. Anderson is under contract through the 2027 season, and the team could use the franchise tag if necessary ā though doing so would likely drive his price even higher.
Trading him remains an option, but the Texans would strongly prefer to retain their elite defensive playmaker. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether the organization will meet his asking price or prolong negotiations.
One thing is certain: the longer the Texans wait, the more expensive Andersonās next deal will become. The question now is simpleāwill Houston commit to a record-setting contract?
Reports suggest that extending Will Anderson Jr. will be quite expensive, although specific figures have not been disclosed.
The Texans exercised the fifth-year option to secure Will Anderson Jr. for an additional year while they negotiate a long-term extension.
Since joining the Texans, Will Anderson Jr. has established himself as a dominant defensive force and a vocal leader on the team.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.
Arshdeep Singh makes history as the first PBKS bowler to reach 100 IPL wickets!
California's top high school football prospects are on the move this weekend.
Viktor Hovland shines with a 64 at RBC Heritage, Gotterup scores 70.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.