Former Alabama LB Will Anderson Jr. signs four-year $35.2 million deal with Houston Texans

Texans rookie linebacker Will Anderson Jr. is getting paid in a major way. The No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft out of Alabama, Anderson has signed his rookie deal with the Houston Texans.

According to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, Anderson has agreed to a fully-guaranteed four-year deal that will pay him $35,212,818.

Anderson is also receiving a $22,609,320 signing bonus as part of the deal. The contract comes with a fifth-year option, according to Pelissero.

It’s no surprise that Will Anderson is receiving a fully-guaranteed contract after an incredible career at Alabama. He was considered to be the top defensive prospect in the draft after setting records during his time with the Crimson Tide.

Anderson is second on Alabama’s career sacks list with 34.5, despite only playing three seasons for the Crimson Tide.

This past season, Anderson recorded 51 tackles, including a team-high 17 tackles for loss. He added 10 sacks, an interception and 12 quarterback hurries.

While Anderson’s junior season was really good, his sophomore season was even better.

The Georgia native was recognized as the top defensive player in the country after leading the nation with 34.5 tackles for loss. He also led the nation with 17.5 sacks and was second on the team with 102 tackles.

Will Anderson says ‘it means everything’ that Texans traded up for him

After being selected No. 3 overall in April, Will Anderson appeared on the NFL Network. He was asked what it meant to him for the Texans to trade up for him.

“It means everything,” Anderson said. “Everybody don’t know how much hard work goes into this. The sacrifices I made. The hard work. The dedication. Everything that goes into this. They just see what happened on Saturday but the process. I’m just so blessed and favored by God.”

Anderson and No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young are the first Alabama teammates to be drafted in the top five of the draft.

He told the Texans fan base that they are getting a hard-working player.

“They’re just getting a complete player, complete person, high character player, but also a good player you know what I’m saying,” Anderson said. “Who’s gonna go out there do his job every snap, relentless motor, high mindset, good motivation, good energy on the team, jumping up and down. and that’s what I’m all about. And I’m ready.”