Houston Texans Sign Nico Collins to Contract Extension
The Houston Texans have made a smart move by agreeing to a three-year contract extension with wide receiver Nico Collins. The deal is worth $24 million per year, making Collins one of the highest-paid players on the team.
Collins had a breakout season in 2023, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to reach 1,000 receiving yards. He joined the ranks of Brandin Cooks, DeAndre Hopkins, and Andre Johnson, which is an impressive feat. Collins recorded 1,297 yards on 80 catches with eight touchdowns.
The Texans selected Collins in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has steadily improved over his first two seasons in Houston. However, it was in 2023 that Collins truly shined. Under the guidance of first-year coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, Collins saw a significant increase in production. He had 109 targets and averaged a career-high 86.5 yards per game last season.
By signing Collins to an extension now, the Texans are eliminating some risk. If Collins had another standout season in 2024, he could have commanded a higher salary in the free agent market in 2025. By locking him in now, the Texans secure their top wide receiver and avoid potential bidding wars in the future.
However, there are still some concerns surrounding Collins. He has struggled with injuries throughout his career and has never played a full season in the league. Additionally, his production in his first two years was not as impressive as his breakout season. It’s important for Collins to stay healthy and maintain consistency to prove that he is ready for stardom in the NFL.
Overall, this contract extension is a positive move for the Houston Texans. Collins has shown great potential and has formed a strong connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud. With the right support and continued development, Collins has the opportunity to become one of the league’s top wide receivers. The Texans are betting on his growth and are investing in his success.