Sports
Sources: Bulls get OK to interview multiple execs
Chicago Bulls begin search for new head of basketball operations, interviewing several candidates.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Will Anderson Jr.'s $150M extension looks cheap if analysts are right
TL;DR
Will Anderson Jr. signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the Houston Texans, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Analysts argue that this contract could be seen as a bargain given his impressive performance and age.
Key points
- Will Anderson Jr. signed a $150 million extension
- He is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL
- Anderson's sack totals have increased each season
- He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting
- Analysts see his contract as fair value due to his impact
Will Anderson Jr.Houston TexansMyles Garrett
Will Anderson Jr.'s $150M extension looks cheap if analysts are right originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Houston Texans locked Will Anderson Jr. into a three-year, $150 million extension last week, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. The number is enormous. The argument that it's still fair value is actually pretty easy to make.
Anderson is 24 years old. His sack totals have climbed every season since he entered the league: seven as a rookie in 2023, eleven in 2024, twelve last year. He also posted 20 tackles for loss and 93 total pressures in 2025.
He finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, behind Myles Garrett.
Analysts have pointed out what those numbers don't fully capture, though. Anderson draws consistent attention from opposing offenses, which clears the path for everyone else on the Texans' defensive line.
Houston allowed the fewest yards per game in the NFL last season, 279, and the second-fewest points at 17.3.
Will Anderson Jr. changes the math around him
His PFF defensive grade in 2025 was 92.3, second among all edge defenders. His run-defense marks were in the top ten at the position as well, which matters for a defense built to stop everything.
The Texans exercised his fifth-year option earlier this month before getting the extension done. Houston has gone 32-19 since Anderson and C.J. Stroud arrived together in 2023.
Q&A
What is Will Anderson Jr.'s contract value with the Houston Texans?
Will Anderson Jr. signed a three-year extension worth $150 million with the Houston Texans.
Why do analysts believe Will Anderson Jr.'s extension is a good value?
Analysts argue that Anderson's consistent performance and impact on the Texans' defense justify the high contract value.
How did Will Anderson Jr. perform in his first three NFL seasons?
In his first three seasons, Anderson recorded seven sacks as a rookie, eleven in his second year, and twelve in his third year, along with significant tackles for loss and pressures.
Who finished ahead of Will Anderson Jr. in Defensive Player of the Year voting?
Myles Garrett finished ahead of Will Anderson Jr. in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season.