NFL Trade Rumors: Houston Texans Extend Wide Receiver Nico Collins

The Houston Texans are locking up one of the NFL's most exciting young pass catchers. According to the Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Texans have agreed to a contract extension with wide receiver Nico Collins that will pay him approximately $24 million per year.

Breaking: The Texans have agreed to a contract extension with WR Nico Collins, per league sources. The new three-year deal will pay him around $24 million per year. https://t.co/ifwypUKTJk
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) May 28, 2024

ESPN's Adam Schefter later revealed that Collins' deal has a maximum value of $75 million over three seasons and includes $52 million guaranteed. Collins, 25, was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract and was poised to hit free agency in 2025.

If Collins maintains his current level of play, he'll be a bargain for the up-and-coming Texans. He led the team last year with an impressive 86.5 receiving yards per game, and his 11.9 yards per target were second most in the league among players with 1000 or more yards. Still, his $24 million per year average falls well short of recent mega contracts signed by Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30 million) and A.J. Brown ($32 million). Given his age, Collins will have a solid chance to sign another massive contract before age starts to catch up with him.

Collins is arguably the most essential weapon on a wide receiver corps that has a chance to be the NFL's best this season. The Texans added Buffalo Bills star Stefon Diggs via trade earlier this offseason, and last year's promising rookie Tank Dell appears to be doing well after suffering a gunshot wound late last month.

Ultimately, the Texans' fate rests with second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud had a rookie season for the ages in 2023, leading the league in passing yards per game (273.9) and interception percentage (1.0%) while piloting the Texans to a 9-6 record. If he can take another step forward in 2024, the Texans could contend for a Super Bowl. Surrounding Stroud with the tools he needs to succeed is a great start.