Quarterback is the most important position on the football field, and in both college football and the NFL, the position is compensated accordingly. However, edge rusher is recognized as a critical position as well, as the position that has the most impact on stopping quarterbacks.
Now, the market is reflecting the edge rusher’s importance, and there’s a new top dog.
On Friday, the Houston Texans and star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. agreed to a three-year extension worth $150 million, $134 million of which is fully guaranteed, making Anderson the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history.
In the three years since the #Texans took CJ Stroud and Will Anderson in a history draft that included back-to-back picks, they’ve made the playoffs. https://t.co/uZoH5tzmZW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2026
Anderson, by average annual value, will now earn more than some of the most recognizable names in the league, including Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams ane even Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes
In fact, there are now only 10 quarterbacks in the league making more money than the Houston standout, per The Spun.
The pass throwers making more than him are:
- Dak Prescott ($60 million per year)
- Trevor Lawrence ($55 million per year)
- Jordan Love ($55 million per year)
- Josh Allen ($55 million per year)
- Joe Burrow ($55 million per year)
- Brock Purdy ($53 million per year)
- Jared Goff ($53 million per year)
- Justin Herbert ($52.5 million per year)
- Lamar Jackson ($52 million per year)
- Jalen Hurts ($51 million per year)
The Texans have made the playoffs in each of Anderson’s three seasons as a professional, and the Texans are now betting big that he can help lead the franchise to its first Super Bowl.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.