Outside of a fluke result, the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to a quarterback.
If that were to be the case, Houston Texans gunslinger C.J. Stroud would have to put together a season of the ages just to be in contention for the league’s highest award.
But let’s say things are different and no passer takes on the award. Who is the Texans‘ best bet to be called the NFL’s finest in 2026?
NFL.com recently revealed its best non-QB MVP candidate for every roster entering training camp. For the Texans, there was an obvious answer, especially since the defense remains the top reason why Houston is expected to compete for an AFC crown this fall.
Will Anderson Jr. remains a top-five defensive end and a top-10 player in the sport entering a new year. If anyone on Houston’s is set to win the coveted award, it’s the All-Pro defensive end.
“A team led by the defense should be highlighted by its top disruptor,” NFL.com’s Kevin Prata wrote. “Anderson is a menace off the edge, generating 35 quick pressures with an 8.0% quick-pressure rate and 85 total QB pressures (19.5%) despite getting chipped at a 22.7% rate (third-highest in the league, min. 200 pass rush snaps) per Next Gen Stats. Able to win with speed and power, Anderson can discombobulate offenses on his own. Given all the pressure he generates, he’s due for a season that can put him on the awards podium.”
“A team led by the defense should be highlighted by its top disruptor,” NFL.com’s Kevin Prata wrote. “Anderson is a menace off the edge, generating 35 quick pressures with an 8.0% quick-pressure rate and 85 total QB pressures (19.5%) despite getting chipped at a 22.7% rate (third-highest in the league, min. 200 pass rush snaps) per Next Gen Stats. Able to win with speed and power, Anderson can discombobulate offenses on his own. Given all the pressure he generates, he’s due for a season that can put him on the awards podium.”
Three years into his career and the former No. 3 overall pick has become the face of the franchise. Anderson’s fresh off a career-best in sacks, tackles for loss, QB hits, pressures and wins, helping Houston win a third consecutive wild-card round game.
The Texans knew his impact was so important that they immediately locked him up on a three-year extension worth $150 million, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback for 2026.
But the numbers don’t provide enough justice for how lethal Anderson is in one-on-one battles. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the former Alabama star ranked second among edge rushers with at least 150 run defensive snaps in pressures (85), third in run stuffs (13) and seventh in run stop rate (12.6%).
To read the full list of non-QB MVPs, Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. named.
The Texans report for training camp on Tuesday, July 28.
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