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Will Anderson Jr. establishes himself as top defensive player in NFL

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 12:38 AM

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

Will Anderson Jr. establishes himself as top defensive player in NFL

Summary

Will Anderson Jr. has emerged as a leading defensive player for the Houston Texans during the 2025 NFL season. He recorded 12 sacks and 85 quarterback pressures, while earning First-Team All-Pro honors. Anderson's performance led to a three-year, $150 million contract, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. His contributions have positioned him as a cornerstone of the Texans' defense, showcasing his complete skill set across various defensive metrics. Analysts believe he is rapidly becoming the benchmark for defensive excellence in the league.

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By the Numbers

•Anderson finished the season with 54 total tackles and 12 sacks.
•He recorded a 20.5% pressure rate, ranking him among the top edge defenders.
•Anderson was ranked second among edge defenders by Pro Football Focus with a 92.4 overall grade.
•He set a record with 48 pressures on third downs during the season.
•At 24 years old, he has already accumulated 30 career sacks.

Latest Updates

12:38 AMYahoo Sports — Will Anderson Jr. is building a case as the NFL’s top defensive player

What they're saying

"
Houston Texans star edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. has quickly gone from a promising young defender to one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. After a breakout 2025 season, many analysts believe Anderson is no longer just one of the league’s best pass rushers—he is becoming the standard for defensive excellence. According to Next Gen Stats, Anderson recorded 85 quarterback pressures, the second-most in the NFL, while posting a 20.5% pressure rate, the third-highest among qualified edge defenders.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Houston Texans NFL Football