Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
Getty
Will Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans looks on following a game against the Denver Broncos.
The Houston Texans’ trade to move up in the 2023 draft for Will Anderson Jr. has paid dividends for them, and should soon do so for the two-time Pro Bowler, former Defensive Rookie of the Year, and 2025 First Team All-Pro player.
In the meantime, Anderson is drawing attention to himself in encouraging ways.
He remains one of the biggest storylines to monitor for the Texans, even with the 2026 draft just over three weeks away.
Will Anderson Jr. Back in the Lab
Will Anderson Jr, Houston Texans
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Anderson drew attention earlier this offseason with his visit to San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and the Texans star is back in the spotlight for reasons more directly related to his performance on the field.
“Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. with his offseason training,” Sleeper affiliate Jacob posted on X on April 2, including a video of the workout.
“Anderson finished 2nd last year in DPOY voting & had the most pressures in the NFL.”
Jacob
Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. with his offseason training via mmvp_co on Instagram:
Anderson finished 2nd last year in DPOY voting & had the most pressures in the NFL.
Anderson, who turns 25 in September, recorded 12.0 sacks during the 2025 regular season, his second straight campaign with double-digit sacks. He also had 54 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 defensive touchdown.
The Texans finished the regular season ranked first in overall defense and second in scoring defense. Anderson ranks sixth in sacks over the past two seasons, per Stathead.
Anderson has played alongside fellow sack artist Danielle Hunter, who ranks third in that span.
Texans’ Plans for Will Anderson Jr. Emerge
Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans attends the 15th Annual NFL Honors.
While Anderson is staying committed to his craft, the Texans have remained mum on his contract status, holding to a long-held organizational philosophy.
Texans owner Cal McNair expressed great satisfaction with Anderson and draftmate, quarterback C.J. Stroud, but he deferred to general manager Nick Caserio and the front office regarding their long-term futures.
However, while Stroud may have to wait, Anderson is a priority for the Texans.
Per KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson on March 31, the Texans “have discussed potential blockbuster contract extension for Anderson, per league sources.”
Spotrac has projected Anderson’s market value at a three-year, $117.1 million extension.
“The 24-year-old finished 2025 as PFF’s #1 graded edge defender, and is now extension-eligible for the first time this offseason,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti wrote in March. “He’s a $39M player according to our model, but Aidan Hutchinson’s $45M, at the very least, should be the target pricepoint here.”
Texans Pegged for Familiar Trade Scenario
Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Texans’ trade that resulted in landing Anderson gained renewed attention amid Houston being a potential partner for the Arizona Cardinals to land Alabama Crimson Tide QB Ty Simpson. The pick used to select Anderson originally belonged to Arizona.
Houston traded out of Round 1 in 2025, allowing the New York Giants to select Jaxson Dart.
“Since Nick Caserio became GM in 2021, HOU has drafted 14 players on Day 2 (T-most in NFL) and 0 in the bottom half of the 1st round,” NFL Network’s Jack Andrade posted on X in March.
“Additional (long-term thinking) incentive to trade down for HOU *if they are targeting an iOL* since the NFL treats all OL as the same position for 5th-years and tags and that can price you out of even a ‘hit’ pick at that position (case in point: Tyler Linderbaum).”