Social media reacts to Will Anderson Jr.s' mega-deal with the Texans

TL;DR

Will Anderson Jr. signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the Houston Texans, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal is set to begin after the 2027 season, keeping him in Houston through 2030.

Key points

Will Anderson Jr. signed a three-year, $150 million extension
He is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history
The deal includes $134 million guaranteed
Anderson's contract takes effect after the 2027 season
He finished top 10 in multiple defensive categories last season

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Houston Texans

NFLWill Anderson Jr.

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.

Source: Will Anderson is signing a three-year $150 million extension that makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The deal includes $134 million guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/tYNUR641oc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 17, 2026 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. 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. Here's how fans have reacted to the news on social media: I’m sure many people said what we said on - “Will Anderson Jr.’s extension will make him the highest paid player (non-QB) & his AAV is gonna be $50mil .” And here it is.

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