Hall of Famer J.J. Watt is a legend after his career spent mostly with the Houston Texans, but his little brother, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, just became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, and big bro is looking to capitalize.
The younger Watt agreed to a three-year, $123 million contract extension, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter on July 17. The deal’s $41 million average annual value is a record for a non-QB.
JJ called TJ’s windfall “earned,” “deserved,” and “incredible” on X, but also had a stipulation.
“I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner…,” the elder Watt posted on X on July 17 in reaction to a graphic that compared his $129.7 million in career earnings to the Steelers star’s new deal.
“Sometimes being the younger brother pays off,” CBS Sports’ social media team posted on X on July 17.
The Steelers’ decision on Watt will have a significant impact on the Texans.
JJ Watt’s Brother Just Upped Ante for Texans DE Will Anderson
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans celebrates a sack against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
The Texans will face an AFC North team this season, but not Watt and the Steelers. It is the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans will need their pass rush to be at the top of its game against former MVP Lamar Jackson.
That includes third-year defensive end Will Anderson, the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowler in 2023.
Anderson stands to benefit greatly from the Steelers’ decision on Watt, though.
“[Aidan] Hutchinson, Will Anderson, and Jared Verse looking at these new EDGE deals,” Klutch Sports scout Kyron Samuels posted on X on July 17 in reaction to Watt’s historic contract extension.
Anderson is a Klutch Sports client. Texans teammate and quarterback C.J. Stroud is not, but both will be extension-eligible in 2026.
Both could be in line for monster paydays.
“Sheesh. The Texans may have to pay Anderson and Stroud close to 90 million in APY if they decide to extend them in 2026 or 2027,” ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime posted, reacting to Samuels. “Whew.”
Anderson’s 18.0 career sacks are the third-most in Texans franchise history through a player’s first two seasons, per Stathead. He is behind only Watt and Mario Williams.
That is some noteworthy company to keep.
Will Anderson Jr. Poised for Big Year 3
GettyWill Anderson #51 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Indianapolis Colts..
Like Watt, former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks, now an analyst for NFL.com, projected a big season for Anderson, who spoke candidly about the Texans leaving sacks on the field.
That was despite ranking fourth in the league during the 2024 regular season.
“The 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year could emerge as the league’s top defender in 2025. Last season, Anderson tallied 11 sacks (tied for 10th in the league) in 14 games playing opposite a disruptive force in Danielle Hunter,” Brooks wrote in June.
“The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder should see those numbers spike thanks to more one-on-one pass-rushing opportunities in favorable, long-yardage situations. As head coach DeMeco Ryans unleashes the third-year pro in an ultra-aggressive scheme that prioritizes pressure at every turn, Anderson could top the 20-sack mark as the Texans’ designated defensive playmaker.”
Count Watt among the believers in what Anderson, the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft, can do and his ability to impact the Texans.
“I think the best part about Will is that he understands his potential, and he wants to do everything possible to achieve it, and not everybody has both of those things together. Some people don’t understand how great they could be, and other people aren’t willing to work hard enough to accomplish it. Will has both,” Watt told reporters on June 11. “It’s been really fun to watch him grow and progress because he is willing to put in all that work, and he is willing to make the sacrifices, and he’s reaping the rewards because of it.”
If Watt is correct, the Texans will indeed need to open up the checkbook for Anderson.
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