The Houston Texans’ season concluded after their third consecutive playoff appearance under head coach DeMeco Ryans on Sunday, January 18, with a 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots.
Despite the Divisional Round loss, the Texans’ defense performed admirably and lived up to its reputation as one the the NFL’s most dominant units this season, leading in several key categories: Total Defense: #1 (277.2 yards/game), Points Allowed: #2 (around 16.5 PPG), Yards Per Play: #1, Defensive EPA: #1, and DVOA: #2.
A key part of this dominant force is All-Pro Will Anderson Jr., the highest-graded defender in the NFL this season according to PFF.
Anderson concluded the regular season with 54 tackles, 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. In the Divisional Round loss, he recorded three tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles, delivering a record-setting performance.
After another outstanding season with the Texans, Anderson is now entering his fourth NFL season and will be eligible for a blockbuster contract extension. Rumor has it that Anderson could become one of the highest-paid edge rushers and overall defensive players in the NFL.
The Texans will negotiate deals with their 2023 Draft class, and Anderson is expected to negotiate this offseason in what could be one of the most expensive deals in franchise history.
Anderson could command an annual compensation exceeding $40 million annually, potentially reaching as high as the $45 million range, as one of the elite defenders in the league.
Anderson, the former  2023 No. 3 overall pick acquired after a trade with the Arizona Cardinals, has proven that his presence on the field significantly benefits a Texans team that has been in the playoffs for his entire career.
In just three seasons, Anderson has recorded 30 sacks, 136 tackles, 46 tackles for loss, and 64 quarterback hits, demonstrating his aggressiveness on the field.
According to Next Gen Stats, Anderson finished with the second-most quarterback pressures in the NFL with 85 and the third-highest pressure rate at 20.5 percent. Additionally, he set the NFL record for most third-down pressures with 48 in a single season in the Next Gen Stats era.
With his proven track record of dominance on the field and expressed desire to remain a Texan for his entire NFL career, it is highly likely that the blockbuster contract will materialize.
Will Anderson Jr.
Gallery Credit: Getty