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Amid the Storm After a Bitter Loss to the Patriots, Texans’ $40 Million Star Shockingly Agrees to a Pay Cut to Stay in Houston for Life

Houston, Texas – January 2026

Just hours after the Houston Texans found themselves engulfed in turmoil following a painful Divisional Playoffs loss to the New England Patriots, a defining decision emerged — not from a boardroom, but from the heart of the franchise’s defensive cornerstone.

Will Anderson Jr., a star widely expected to command a contract approaching $40 million per year, is believed to be willing to take less than market value in extension talks to secure a long-term future in Houston. At a moment when the Texans are facing scrutiny, uncertainty, and mounting pressure about what comes next, Anderson chose loyalty.

He did not dodge questions about his future. Instead, Anderson delivered a message that left little room for doubt:

“If anyone asked me what I want most right now, I’d say I want to be here my entire career. I love the Texans. I love everything about this place. They traded up to draft me… and if it’s God’s will, it’ll happen. And when this team needs me the most, I want to stay — to carry the responsibility, to help this group rise back up, to fix what’s unfinished, and to prove that Houston is still on the right path.”

In an NFL where negotiations often begin with numbers and end with leverage, Anderson’s stance is increasingly rare. At just 24 years old, coming off the best season of his career and firmly entrenched among the league’s elite edge rushers, he would be well within his rights to demand top-of-the-market money. Instead, Anderson is prioritizing stability — for himself and for the organization.

Inside the Texans’ building, the decision is viewed as a critical emotional anchor during an unstable period. With questions surrounding the offense, pressure mounting at quarterback, and major front-office decisions looming, Anderson’s commitment has helped steady the locker room and reinforce belief within the team.

Houston has already shown a willingness to invest heavily in elite defensive talent, and Anderson’s openness to financial flexibility is being seen as a rare gesture of partnership, paving the way for a deal that benefits both sides.

For the Texans, this is about more than a contract. It’s about culture — about a star choosing to stay when circumstances are toughest, rather than leaving when his value is at its peak. And for Anderson, the decision reflects the evolution of a leader: placing the collective above the individual, and long-term purpose above immediate gain.

In the middle of the storm, Houston found an anchor. And at the moment the Texans needed certainty most, Will Anderson Jr. delivered — not with empty words, but with action.

WR coach Packers Ryan Mahaffey Takes Full Responsibility for WR Room’s Struggles, Explains Decision to Leave Packers for Eagles
Green Bay, Wisconsin – 06/02/2026 In an exclusive interview following his departure from the Green Bay Packers, Ryan Mahaffey, the team’s former wide receivers coach, took full responsibility for the struggles of the Packers’ wide receiver room in the 2025 season. Mahaffey, who recently left Green Bay to join the Philadelphia Eagles as their run game coordinator and tight ends coach, opened up about his decision to move on and his perspective on why the wide receiver corps underperformed. “I take full responsibility for the results we had in that room,” Mahaffey said. “As the coach, I’m ultimately the one who needs to make sure the players are prepared and producing. We didn’t hit the marks we needed to, and that’s on me. I understand the frustration from the fans and the organization.” The Packers’ wide receiver room in 2025, despite featuring talented players like Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, faced significant challenges in production and consistency. The unit struggled to build chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love, and key moments in critical games saw miscommunication and dropped passes, leading to questions about the coaching staff’s ability to maximize the potential of the group. The #Eagles are filling out their offensive staff under OC Sean Mannion, hiring an ascending coach from the #Packers: Philly is hiring Ryan Mahaffey as Run Game Coordinator and Tight Ends coach, per The Insiders. An impressive addition. pic.twitter.com/Dwui9pGD1e — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2026 “There’s no excuse for how things unfolded, especially with the talent we had. We didn’t see the development and production we were hoping for. There were inconsistencies in play, and that’s a reflection of coaching,” Mahaffey admitted. “I had to look at myself in the mirror and recognize that my approach wasn’t enough to get the best out of this group.” Mahaffey also addressed the larger issue at hand – his decision to leave the Packers after a season of internal struggles. His departure for the Eagles was not only driven by the opportunity for a new challenge but also by a difference in philosophy with head coach Matt LaFleur. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Matt [LaFleur], but our approaches and philosophies were starting to differ,” Mahaffey explained. “I believe in a certain style of development and communication that I think the Eagles’ coaching staff is aligned with. Sometimes, coaching changes come because you realize your vision for a position or unit doesn’t fully align with the direction the team is heading. It’s not about one person being right or wrong, but about finding the best fit.” The Packers’ wide receiver struggles throughout the season were a central topic of discussion. Despite having a promising young core of wideouts, the group failed to deliver consistent results. Watson, a second-year player with immense talent, struggled with injuries and inconsistency, while Doubs, another promising prospect, faced his own difficulties in establishing himself as a reliable target for Love. Mahaffey’s departure follows the realization that his methods were not yielding the necessary results, despite his best efforts. The change of scenery for Mahaffey in Philadelphia offers him a fresh start and the chance to work with a proven team. The Eagles, coming off a Super Bowl appearance, present a different set of expectations and resources, and Mahaffey is excited for the opportunity to contribute to their continued success. “I’m looking forward to working with the Eagles and helping them further their goals,” Mahaffey said. “I’m excited about the new role, and I’m ready to embrace the challenge. It’s a great fit for me, and I believe I can make an impact on their offense.” While Mahaffey takes full responsibility for the Packers’ wide receiver room’s struggles in 2025, he remains hopeful that the group will improve under new coaching. As for his future, Mahaffey is focused on his new role in Philadelphia, but his time in Green Bay has left him with valuable lessons that he plans to carry forward. “My time with the Packers was an incredible experience. I learned a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with such talented players,” Mahaffey concluded. “I wish the Packers nothing but success going forward, and I’ll always be rooting for them.”