The Houston Texans have some work to do this offseason. After coming up short in the playoffs again in 2025, the Texans will be looking for ways to improve their roster this offseason, but in order to do that, they need to keep some of their current stars happy, with that group of studs being led by the defensive line tandem of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
Anderson and Hunter teamed up to form one of the deadliest pass-rush duos in the league last season, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the team wants to keep them happy. On Thursday night, that resulted in Hunter getting his contract reworked, and according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, it sounds like a new deal will likely be coming Anderson’s way later this offseason.
Texans Expected to Work on Massive Contract Extension with Will Anderson Jr.
After entering the NFL as a third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Hunter has become one of the most productive pass rushers over the past decade. A five-time Pro Bowler who also has earned a pair of All-Pro Second Team selections, Hunter is fresh off one of his most productive campaigns, as he finished the year with 15 sacks, the second-highest mark of any season from his storied career.
Part of what has helped Hunter star in his first two seasons with the Texans is the fact that he is working alongside Anderson, who has quickly turned himself into one of the most disruptive defensive players in the league. Anderson earned a spot on the All-Pro First Team in 2025 after racking up 12 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss, as he and Hunter helped Houston’s defense become one of the deadliest units in the league.
Ahead of free agency, Hunter agreed to a massive one-year, $40.1 million contract extension that will keep him with the Texans through the 2027 campaign. Now that his situation is officially taken care of, it sounds like Houston will turn its attention to Anderson, who could be poised to reset the defensive end market this offseason.
“I would expect Will Anderson, probably after free agency, will be the next edge rusher to get paid in Houston,” Rapoport said on “Good Morning Football.”
Texans Looking to Take Care of Will Anderson Jr. Contract Extension This Offseason
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans looks on against the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
Assuming the Texans exercise the fifth-year option in Anderson’s rookie contract, which is a no-brainer of a decision, that will give the front office some time to get this deal across the finish line. Considering how productive Anderson has been as of late, though, you can bet that, similar to Hunter, Houston wants to keep one of its top players as happy as possible.
With free agency right around the corner, though, it seems like the Texans may opt to push this decision down the line for the time being. It’s clear, though, that getting an extension done for Anderson is a pressing piece of business, and while it may not get done right away, it’d be a surprise if the two sides aren’t able to find common ground before the start of the 2026 season.
Insider Issues Will Anderson Jr. Prediction After Danielle Hunter Contract News