Elite metrics and a terrifying partnership with Danielle Hunter position Houston’s pass-rushing phenom to dominate the 2026 season and challenge the league’s sack leaders for defensive supremacy.
The Houston Texans have one of the best pass rushers in the National Football League. They are paying him as such.
Texans edge rusher Will Anderson secured the highest paying contract for any edge rusher after finishing toward the top of the NFL in sacks last season with 12.0. But it wasn't just one season that got him there.
For the better part of six seasons, dating back to his time in college at Alabama, Anderson has been able to be counted on for around 10 sacks every season. In his first season in both college and the pros, Anderson put up 7.0 sacks each time. His next two seasons in college and professionally, his sack totals brought the averages back above double digits.
Anderson had 34.5 sacks in three years with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He has 30.0 sacks in three years with the Texans. It's fair to say he's adjusted to the NFL game.
ESPN's sack forecast metric echoes that sentiment. NFL analyst Seth Walder discussed why Anderson is projected to finish No. 3 in the NFL in sacks in 2026.
"Anderson emerged as truly elite in 2025, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting to go along with his 12 sacks. There's no reason to expect a drop-off this season.
Anderson has proved himself the past two seasons in terms of sacks and pass rush win rate, is young and on a relatively good team (the Texans' win total at DraftKings is 9.5, shaded to the over) with a particularly good defense. He and Danielle Hunter (8.7 projected sacks, 12th most) make up arguably the NFL's most fearsome pass rushing duo.
Plus, the Texans get the additional bonus of facing a sack-friendly schedule of quarterbacks that includes games against Lamar Jackson (9.8% sack rate), Justin Herbert (8.8%), Jaxson Dart (8.5%) and Cam Ward (9.4%) twice."
Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; From left to right, Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) linebacker Jamal Hill (56) cornerback Kamari Lassiter (3) and safety Jalen Pitre (5) celebrate linebacker Wade Woodaz (30) (not pictured) interception that he returned for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn ImagesIt may feel bold to predict Anderson to finish third in the NFL in sacks considering his career high is 12 sacks from last season. Even so, given that Anderson has averaged just under 11 sacks over the past six seasons of college and pro ball, one could argue he's the safest pick of anybody to reach double digit sacks in 2026. His elite defensive surroundings only improve his chances.
Surprisingly, the ESPN model has Micah Parsons predicted to finish ahead of him at No. 2 despite the fact that Parsons is set to miss at least the first four games or more of the 2026 season. Perhaps that is the truly bold prediction.
At any rate, there's a great chance Anderson will land somewhere in the top five for league leaders in sacks. He will hope to elevate the Texans to new heights this year.
