How Will Anderson’s historic contract sets record for highest-paid non-QB in NFL originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There’s a new highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He has been making his presence felt to hurlers for some time now.
Will Anderson inked a three-year, $150 million contract extension with the Texans on Friday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The new deal, which will kick in upon the conclusion of Anderson’s rookie deal in 2027, will see Anderson take home more money per season than any non-quarterback before him.
Anderson’s latest deal is decked in color. He resets the market for pass-rushers, having taken the title of league’s highest-paid EDGE from Packers sack specialist Micah Parsons. The former No. 2 pick has played just three seasons in the NFL. He’s already proven his worth, anchoring Houston’s defense during a historic 2025 run that saw the Texans concede just 17.4 points per game — the second-best mark in the NFL.
Anderson was summarily rewarded for his efforts with his first All-Pro nod. He placed second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, cementing himself as one of the stars of Houston’s present and future.
Now, he’ll get paid like it. Here’s where Anderson’s deal ranks among non-quarterbacks.
MORE: Sporting News’ complete 7-round mock draft
Which non-QB has the highest salary in the NFL?
Here is how Anderson’s latest deal compares to that of the league’s highest-paid non-quarterbacks based on average annual value (AAV).
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Avg. Salary |
| 1. | Will Anderson | DE | Texans | $50,000,000 |
| 2. | Micah Parsons | DE | Packers | $46,500,000 |
| 3. | Aidan Hutchinson | DE | Lions | $45,000,000 |
| 4. | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | Seahawks | $42,150,000 |
| 5. | TJ Watt | DE | Steelers | $41,000,000 |
| 6. | Ja’Marr Chase | WR | Bengals | $40,250,000 |
| 7. | Myles Garrett | DE | Browns | $40,000,000 |
| 8. | Maxx Crosby | DE | Raiders | $35,500,000 |
| 9. | Justin Jefferson | WR | Vikings | $35,000,000 |
| 10. | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Cowboys | $34,000,000 |
MORE: NFL power rankings 2026 after free agency
Will Anderson contract details
- Years: Three
- Contract value: $150 million
Anderson’s extension sees him command more money per season than any other non-quarterback in league history. $134 million of the total — 89.3% — is guaranteed. Per Rapoport, $100 million is fully-guaranteed. The contract also includes a no-trade clause, making him one of precious few players to receive such an offer.