Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins just came off a breakout season.
The third-year receiver, under new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and rookie phenom C.J. Stroud, caught 80 receptions on 109 targets for 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns this past season. It was a huge performance that put Collins on the map nationally for fantasy football fans and helped Stroud have one of the most successful rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history.
Now, the Michigan product is ready to be paid and secure his future with the team.
How #Texans standout wide receiver Nico Collins @lbg_nico7 views potential early contract talks now that he's eligible for an extension and coming off breakthrough year: 'Would love that. If they want to negotiate, we can.' @KPRC2 https://t.co/e8ZBpOQ9Fd
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 24, 2024
KPRC’s Aaron Wilson reported on Friday that Collins is ready to pursue extension conversations now that he is finally eligible after his third season.
“That would be great,” Collins said on the prospect of signing a long-term deal. “I feel like that’s what everybody works for. I’m just going to let it come to me, whatever they decide, whatever they want to do. I’m going to let it ride. Me, I’m going to continue to get better and work on my game. If they want to negotiate, we can.”
It could potentially be an advantageous proposition for both parties.
Collins could secure an extension after a career season that came after two years where he struggled to stay healthy. His value might never be higher, either, if suffers another injury or has a less productive season.
For Houston, they could lock down Collins –who showed the potential to be a No. 1 wide receiver – at a far cheaper price than what top receivers are currently finding on the market and lock in their top duo alongside 2023 rookie Tank Dell. Justin Jefferson, Mike Evans, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk and Tee Higgins could all command monster salaries this offseason, and Ja’Marr Chase will be eligible in 2025.
It’s unclear what price Collins would currently fetch. The NFL’s best receivers are seeing upwards of $20 million per year and it’s quite possible that Collins would cost $25 million or more from another team if he was to hit unrestricted free agency after next season.
Fans will have to wait and see if the team can work out a deal with one of the first players that general manager Nick Caserio drafted. It’s very encouraging that the team appears well poised, both financially and relationally, to retain their best home-grown talent.