Texans legend J.J. Watt weighs in on Will Anderson Jr. extension

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.