How Will Anderson’s historic contract sets record for highest-paid non-QB in NFL
There’s a new highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He has been making his presence felt to hurlers for some time now.
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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.
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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). His contract dwarfs that of Parsons by $3.5 million.
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He’s the latest in a string of Texans standouts to take home a record-breaking deal, joining CB Derek Stingley Jr. (three years, $100 million), DE Danielle Hunter (one year, $40 million) and K Ka’imi Fairbairn (two years, $13 million).
| 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 |
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Which non-QB makes the most guaranteed money in the NFL?
Here is where Anderson’s contract ranks in terms of guaranteed money. Despite the three-year terms of his contract, Anderson will command more guaranteed money than any other player, including Parsons and Myles Garrett — both of whom secured four-year deals.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Guaranteed Money |
| 1. | Will Anderson | DE | Texans | $134,000,000 |
| 2. | Micah Parsons | DE | Packers | $123,107,000 |
| 3. | TJ Watt | DE | Steelers | $108,000,000 |
| 4. | Myles Garrett | DE | Browns | $88,800,000 |
| 5. | Justin Jefferson | WR | Vikings | $88,743,000 |
| 6. | Nick Bosa | DE | 49ers | $88,000,000 |
| 7. | Joshua Hines-Allen | OLB | Jaguars | $76,500,000 |
| 8. | Brian Burns | OLB | Giants | $76,000,000 |
| 9. | Ja’Marr Chase | WR | Bengals | $73,900,000 |
| 10. | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | Seahawks | $69,130,996 |
Which non-QB has the largest overall contract in the NFL?
Lastly, here’s how Anderson’s contract compares to other glitzy non-QB deals. Understandably, the total value of his deal sits far beyond the likes of Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson. However, his $150 million contract still fares healthily, placing firmly inside the top-10.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Overall Money |
| 1. | Micah Parsons | DE | Packers | $186,000,000 |
| 2. | Aidan Hutchinson | DE | Lions | $180,000,000 |
| 3. | Nick Bosa | DE | 49ers | $170,000,000 |
| 4. | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | Seahawks | $168,600,000 |
| 5. | Ja’Marr Chase | WR | Bengals | $161,000,000 |
| 6. | Myles Garrett | DE | Browns | $160,000,000 |
| 7. | Chris Jones | DT | Chiefs | $158,750,000 |
| 8. | Will Anderson | DE | Texans | $150,000,000 |
| 9. | Joshua Hines-Allen | LB | Jaguars | $141,250,000 |
| 10. | Brian Burns | LB | Giants | $141,000,000 |
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.
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