The Houston Texans ensured they found a cornerstone for their defense two years ago in the 2023 draft, selecting Will Anderson Jr. No. 3 overall, one slot behind quarterback C.J. Stroud. He has rewarded their faith in him with his play, and the Texans plan to return the favor.
They have a solid track record of rewarding their own players.
Anderson would join bookend Danielle Hunter and fellow recent draft pick Derek Stingley Jr. as recently extended Texans.
Will Anderson Expected to Engage in Extension Talks With Texans
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans celebrates after defeating the San Francisco 49ers.
âWill Anderson is one of the biggest reasons for Houstonâs defensive dominance,â The Athleticâs Dianna Russini reported on X on November 26. âIâm told to expect the third-year pass rusher and the Texans to make offseason extension talks a priority.â
Anderson was a Pro Bowler and the Defensive Rookie of the Year with the Texans in 2023.
He is already one half-sack away from matching his 2024 total of 11.0, which he reached in 14 games, with 10.5 sacks through 11 games this season.
Russini wrote in a roundup of league intel on Wednesday that Houstonâs âdefense might be the best in football right now, and a lot of that is thanks to Will Anderson Jr. Expect Houston and the third-year edge rusher to get right to a contract extension once the season wraps.â
Anderson ranks ninth in the NFL in sacks since entering the league.
That is despite playing opposite Hunter, who inked a one-year, $35 million extension in March and is a five-time Pro Bowler in his own right.
Will Anderson Could Draw Attention for Defensive Player of the Year
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans sacks Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills.
Russini pointed to an in-depth article from Sports Illustratedâs Albert Breer, in which the latter highlighted Andersonâs impact on the Texansâ defense. Breer forecasted that Anderson could receive some award love.
He also believes an extension is an inevitability, saying he has a âhard time seeing whyâ the Texans would not get a deal done as soon as possible.
Breer cited Andersonâs talent as well as his personality.
âWill Anderson Jr. is more than just a Defensive Player of the Year candidateâheâll be worth every penny the Texans pay on the megadeal he will have coming. And if Houston is as aggressive as it was in signing All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr., who got his monster second contract as he became eligible for one after his third season, itâll happen this offseason,â Breer wrote on November 25.
âHeâs had a sack in six consecutive games, which tied a team record by Mario Williams, and heâs already fifth in Texans history in career sacks. On Thursday, he joined J.J. Watt as the only players in NFL history to have 2.5 sacks, two tackles for losses, three quarterback hits and a pass defensed in multiple games.â
Will Anderson Keying NFLâs Best Defense
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans reacts against the San Francisco 49ers.
Breer cited Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burkeâs praise for Anderson, noting the third-year pro is on track to become a new standard-bearer of work ethic.
âAnderson has been that tough, that hard-working and that plain old relentless,â Breer wrote on November 21. âAs the pro football world saw Thursday night, the rest of the Texans defense that Burke and head coach DeMeco Ryans have built over the last three years has fully followed suit.â
All of that should keep Anderson with the Texans for many years to come.
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