Will Anderson Jr. Falls Just Short of DPOY, But Cements His Place in Texans History
Will Anderson Jr. didn’t walk away with the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award last night-but he didn’t need the trophy to prove he’s already one of the most dominant defensive forces in the league. The second-year edge rusher capped off a breakout campaign that not only turned heads across the NFL, but also etched his name into the Houston Texans’ record books.
Let’s break it down.
A Season to Remember
Anderson’s 2025 season was nothing short of electric. Over 17 games, he racked up 54 total tackles (35 solo), 12 sacks-tied for eighth in the league and fifth in the AFC-along with 20 tackles for loss, 10.5 run stuffs, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. That’s not just production-that’s game-wrecking impact.
And he wasn’t doing it alone. Alongside Danielle Hunter, Anderson helped anchor a Texans defensive line that became one of the most disruptive units in football. But even in a group effort, Anderson’s individual performance stood above the rest-arguably the most dominant single-season showing by a defensive player in Texans franchise history.
The DPOY Race: A Two-Man Show
The Defensive Player of the Year race was stacked with elite talent. Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, Nik Bonitto, and Anderson all made strong cases.
But when the votes were tallied, it was Garrett who walked away with the hardware, thanks to a unanimous 50 first-place votes-powered by a record-breaking 23-sack season that officially eclipsed T.J. Watt’s previous single-season mark of 22.5.
Still, Anderson wasn’t just a finalist-he was the clear runner-up. He pulled in 177 points in the voting, the only player not named Garrett to crack the 100-point mark. That kind of recognition, in just his second year, speaks volumes.
Building a Legacy in Houston
This latest accolade adds to what’s already an impressive early-career résumé for Anderson. Let’s take stock:
- Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Two straight seasons with 11+ sacks
- First-Team All-Pro selection
- Runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year
Anderson’s been everything the Texans hoped for when they took him third overall in the 2023 draft-and then some.
At just 24 years old, he’s already making a case as one of the best draft picks in franchise history. And while J.J.
Watt remains the gold standard in Houston, Anderson is putting himself firmly in the conversation for the franchise’s all-time defensive greats.
The Price of Stardom
With his rookie contract clock ticking, the Texans have a big decision looming-and it’s going to cost them. ESPN’s Dan Graziano projected a potential four-year, $176 million extension for Anderson, with $121 million guaranteed. That’s a jaw-dropping $44 million per year, which would make it the richest deal in Texans history.
Anderson’s projected payday would place him right alongside the highest-paid edge rushers in the game:
- Micah Parsons (Packers): $46.5M/year
- Aidan Hutchinson (Lions): $45M/year
- T.J. Watt (Steelers): $41M/year
- Myles Garrett (Browns): $40M/year
It’s elite company-and Anderson belongs in it.
What Comes Next?
Anderson may have finished second in the DPOY race, but the trajectory he’s on suggests it’s only a matter of time before he claims that honor. The Texans have a franchise cornerstone on their hands-someone who’s not just producing, but elevating the entire defense around him.
As Houston continues its climb back into AFC contention, Anderson will be at the heart of it all. The accolades are already piling up, but the scariest part for opposing offenses? He’s just getting started.
So what’s next for the former Alabama standout? Maybe that DPOY trophy.
Maybe a deep playoff run. Maybe both.
Whatever it is, don’t blink-because Will Anderson Jr. is coming fast, and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.