Why Houston made the right call to give DE Will Anderson Jr. a 'deserving' extension

After his first All-Pro season with the Houston Texans, it became clear that the AFC South franchise needed to find a way to extend defensive end Will Anderson Jr.

Anderson, the former No. 3 overall pick in 2023, had consistently grown as a pass-rusher. In Year 1, he tied J.J. Watt's team rookie sack record en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. By Year 3, he was considered the second-best pass-rusher behind only five-time All-Pro Myles Garrett.

So, when the time came to give him a new deal, it was a no-brainer that Anderson was going to be locked up long-term. As the unquestioned face of the franchise, the Texans needed to ensure he'd spend the prime years of his career terrorizing quarterbacks at Reliant Stadium on Sundays, so money wasn't an issue.

The result? A three-year, $150 million contract extension, making Anderson the highest-paid defensive player in the league in terms of new money average. He received $134 million total guaranteed and a rare no-trade clause on a blockbuster deal.

Even if it seems rich, no one in the building is complaining.

“Will is an outstanding young man, outstanding player,” Ryans said Monday following the first offseason workout program. “He shows up every single day, working how we expect guys to work and doing all the things a leader does. He’s a guy that you want guys following.

“He embodies everything that it means to be a Texan and he’s definitely deserving of the contract situation that he’s gotten. He’s earned it and he’s done an outstanding job of leading.”