Latest NFL contract development makes Packers decision look smarter right when it’s about to hurt the most
Will Anderson Jr. surpassed Micah Parsons as the highest-paid non-quarterback in football, and it shows once again that Green Bay made the right call.
Most analysts and fans know the Green Bay Packers made the right decision by trading two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark for edge defender Micah Parsons last August. It’s inevitable that, with the draft approaching, the lack of a first-rounder will hurt a little bit.
So, the football Gods just sent a message to remind everyone that general manager Brian Gutekunst made a perfect call.
Will Anderson gets a massive contract extension
Will Anderson Jr., the third overall pick back in 2023, got a huge three-year, $150 million contract extension from the Houston Texans. And don’t get me wrong, Anderson is a phenomenal player, he’s only 24 years old, and his extension is well-deserved.
But there’s no way around it. Micah Parsons is the better and more impactful player, especially as a pass-rusher. And the details of the contract make the difference bigger in favor of the Packers.
Anderson was able to sign a three-year extension. Even though he had two years left on his rookie deal considering the fifth-year option, the new part added to the contract is short — which is always what elite players want, so they can get back to the market or sign a new extension soon.
Even though the Packers had to bend a little bit in terms of guarantees, they were still able to sign Parsons to a four-year extension — he had one year left. Now, Parsons is still under contract for four more seasons, which will essentially be his prime in the NFL.
Track record
In 2025, both Micah Parsons and Will Anderson were First-Team All-Pro players. Anderson played all 17 games, with 93 pressures and 12 sacks. Parsons ended up missing the final three and a half games due to his knee injury, plus played limited snaps early in the season right after the trade. Still, he generated 79 pressures and 12.5 sacks.
The Texans should be happy they locked Will Anderson up for multiple years. And, even without first-round picks in each of the next two drafts, the Packers absolutely made a perfect call when trading for a truly elite player at a premium position.