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Will Anderson Jr. has signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the Houston Texans, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. J.J. Watt expressed his approval of the deal, which keeps Anderson in Houston through 2030.
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It seems like the greatest defensive player in Houston Texans' history is fine with the Will Anderson Jr. news.
According to reports, the 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.
As fans and media members began to comment on the deal, one person stood out among the rest as satisfied with the contract. In two words, three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt made it be known his thoughts on the newest Texans' extension.
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.
In some ways, the Texans brought in Anderson to be the heir apparent to Watt, who left the team following the 2020 season after a 10-year run as the franchise's face. While Jonathan Greenard impressed as the pass-rusher for several years, Houston needed that intimidating force to take over games and become a face of the league.
Will Anderson Jr. signed a three-year contract extension worth $150 million.
The extension makes Will Anderson Jr. the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
The contract extension is expected to kick in after the 2027 season.
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Enter Anderson, who, since his arrival, has become a beacon of light in the revamped rebuild. Over his three seasons, the Texans have featured a top-10 defense in every campaign. They've also won 32 total games, earning two AFC South titles and three playoff wins.
Watt, a fellow former first-round pick, finished his Texans career with 101.0 career sacks, 282 QB hits and 172 tackles for loss. 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.
Some fans still believe that a reunion in the Super Bowl is possible for Watt, who retired after the 2022 season to get into broadcasting. While Watt remains in shape, he's made it clear — again — that his playing days are in the past.
The Texans will now pivot toward the NFL draft next week.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans legend J.J. Watt weighs in on Will Anderson Jr. extension