Tag: Nico Collins extension

C.J. Stroud believes Texans have ‘this generation’s Andre Johnson’ on the roster

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud believes the Houston Texans have a clone of Andre Johnson on the roster with this one receiver.

It’s one thing to hype up teammates after a breakout season. It’s another to compare them to one of the top players at his position in league history.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud did a bit of both while acknowledging the greatness of future Hall of Fame receiver Andre Johnson during Tuesday’s press conference. After a breakout season from Nico Collins, he expects to see No. 12 channel his inner No. 80 moving into 2024 and beyond.

“When his number is called, he always makes a play,” Stroud said of Collins. “He’s a generational talent, like our age’s Andre Johnson, in my opinion, of just how fast he is, how he gets in and out of his braces, releases, how strong he is. I think last year was just a preview of what’s to come for him.”

Collins, a former third-round pick out of Michigan, lived up to the No. 1 receiver mantra once Stroud joined the roster last April. Two underwhelming years with insufficient quarterback play were replaced by career numbers in catches (80), receiving yards ( 1,297 yards) and touchdowns (eight).

The Texans believe Collins can have a similar impact to Johnson and former All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins, and proved that with a three-year extension worth $72.5 million late last month. He’s on the right track to meet the lofty goals as he’s only the third player in franchise history to finish with 1,200 or more receiving yards in a single season.

“One thing I’m proud of for him is just the work has never stopped,” Stroud said. “He’s constantly in here working on his body, his hands, his mobility in the weight room. ”

The Johnson comparison could be cringy, but perhaps true in due time. Like Collins, the former Miami star only totaled one 1,000-yard season in his first three years due to incompetent quarterback play.

Remember though, passing was a second-tier approach compared to today’s game. Also, keep in mind that once Matt Schaub entered the building, the 1K marker became an expectation, not a happy story.

From 2006-13, Johnson compiled six 1,000-yard campaigns and six Pro Bowl nods. And the two years he didn’t was because of injury. Johnson was limited to nine games in 2007 and was only 149 yards short of surpassing the marker.

In 2011, he was limited to seven games and was a tad shy of 500 yards.

Collins, who’s locked in until 2027, will also be splitting reps as the No. 1 with two different playmakers this fall. Rookie Tank Dell was on pace for over 1,200 yards before suffering a broken leg in early December. To bolster Stroud’s passing attack, the Texans traded for four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs from Buffalo.

Since 2020, Diggs has led the NFL in receptions (445) and ranks fourth in receiving yards (5,372). That could change in Houston, but even with multiple weapons, the 30-year-old still averaged over 1,110 receiving yards per campaign in Buffalo.

Stroud, the NFL’s reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, consistently turned to Dell in prime moments last season before the injury. The two have been in sync since throwing at the NFL combine in February 2023, and it’s not expected to change now with Dell back at full speed.

But Collins differs from the other two pass-catchers. He emulates something that made Johnson a staple of the 2000s: size. Johnson stood 6-foot-3 and terrorized defenders in the red zone.

Collins, who stands 6-foot-4, does much of the same.

“I watched him on tape before I got here,” Diggs said. “He is definitely one of the best receivers we got.”

Even if Collins doesn’t live up to the Johnson comp, Stroud and the Texans understand what type of player he is in the huddle and the locker room. He presents a humbleness and laid-back demeanor around teammates.

Stroud said Collins loved watching his teammates get their chance to feast. Even after signing a new deal, that persona remains a staple in practice.

“It’s a special feeling to see somebody who deserves to get paid and get what they deserve. I’m just really proud of him.”

Nico Collins gives high prasie to new Texans WR Stefon Diggs

Nico Collins might only be five years younger than Stefon Diggs, but there’s a sense of ageism between the two Houston Texans receivers.

Nico Collins respects his elders, which apparently includes new Houston Texans receiver Stefon Diggs.

Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and newest member of the Texans’ passing game, looks to be the last piece for Houston a run to the postseason. He’s been consistent since being drafted out of Maryland in 2015, dominating the AFC over his four seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

Why does 2015 ring a bell for Collins? That was his sophomore season at Clay-Chalkville High School out in Pinson, Alabama, though Collins said he’s been watching Diggs since his time in middle school.

“He’s been very successful in his league, man,” Collins said last week of Diggs. “And for him to be in the room with us, man, and a teammate of mine, of everybody, man, just the success he’s had on the field, man, there’s no better feeling. You can pick his brain, pick how he moves, how he thinks.”

While 30 doesn’t seem old in the big picture, it’s not young in NFL lingo. Diggs, who enters his 10th season in the pros, already has proven how dangerous his skill set is when left alone in coverage, especially during his time as Josh Allen’s top weapon in Buffalo.

Collins, 25, recently cashed in on a new three-year, $72.5 million extension. He’s entering Year 4, but keep in mind that he was entering his freshman year at Michigan when Diggs hauled in a catch from Texans’ backup QB Case Keenum for what would go on to be the Minneapolis Miracle.

That was 2018. Two years later, Diggs was traded to Buffalo and became the NFL leader in receptions (127) en route to an All-Pro honor in 2020. He also has six consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns and has led all receivers in catches (445) since 2020.

And Diggs is already playing for a new deal after signing two contracts in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Most players — especially receivers — are on shelf life after their rookie contract is up, let alone playing for a fourth deal entering the offseason.

Maybe Diggs isn’t a fan of being the old man in the locker room, but he won’t be alone catching passes from C.J. Stroud. While perhaps a staple of the offense, Diggs is splitting targets with Collins and breakout rookie Tank Dell, who finished with over 700 receiving yards in 11 games last season.

The Texans also brought back tight end Dalton Schultz on a three-year contract and traded for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon earlier this offseason.

Collins knows his target shares may dwindle, but adding Diggs might be worth it if Houston can get back into the postseason.

“Him being a part of the room, joining the field with him. sharing the field with him, just picking his brain, we push each other,” said Collins.

The Texans return to NRG Stadium Tuesday for a three-day camp before taking an extended break until training camp begins in late July.

Justin Jefferson’s new contract proves Texans got a steal with Nico Collins’ extension

The Houston Texans were wise to lock up Nico Collins last week, just days before Justin Jefferson received his lucrative four-year contract.

It was never a question of whether Justin Jefferson would become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL, but rather whether Minnesota would be willing to pay.

Both questions were answered Monday morning with the agreement of a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $110 million guaranteed. He’s sticking around in Minneapolis through 2028, resetting the receiver market.

For the San Francisco 49ers, the price just went up for Brandon Aiyuk.

For the Dallas Cowboys, welcome to a starting point in talks with CeeDee Lamb.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, if there were any talks of keeping both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, those talks just ended before they could pick back up.

The trio of receivers are looking to be compensated for their efforts in three-plus years, but also might be able to tack on a few extra dollars given the influx market.

For the Houston Texans, any concerns about paying top dollar for a top receiver ceased last week when Nico Collins inked a three-year deal worth $72.5 million.

And thankfully for them, it happened before Monday’s megadeal for Jefferson. That’s a conversation and headache worth avoiding in 2024.

Collins, the Texans’ third-round pick and first hit of the Nick Caserio era, has all the makings of a legitimate No. 1 target, hauling in 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns.

Collins presented problems for opposing defenses last season. In 15 games, the former Michigan standout ranked sixth in passer rating (128.4) when targeted and sixth in catch rate (73.9%) on in-breaking routes. He also totaled 275 yards on routes over 25-plus yards downfield.

And he’s only one-third of the problem at NRG Stadium this fall. If cornerbacks aren’t locked on him, they’re on WR Tank Dell, who had a breakout rookie season.

Not him? Well, maybe they’re targeting four-time Pro Bowl WR Stefon Diggs, who joined the franchise in a trade this offseason. And if Collins is blanketed, that means someone else is open.

Dell, who nearly broke Andre Johnson’s team receiving yardage record by a rookie, is locked up through 2026. So is Dalton Schultz. And Collins, who now averages just over $24 million in annual salary, will be here a year later, the same time quarterback C.J. Stroud enters the final year of his rookie deal.

By that point, $24 million will look puny compared to the lucrative deals for players who could end up having weaker production.

Who knows if Collins’ breakout 2023 season is his ceiling? When on the field, he’s dealt with inadequate quarterback play that factored into 11 wins over three years.

Injuries don’t help his case, either. Collins missed 12 games in three seasons, including two this past season. Should he miss games, Houston now can turn to Diggs or Dell.

Still, the Texans are betting on Collins’ upside. They see a receiver who won’t turn 30 until after his second contract and hasn’t been able to stay on the field consistently.

What would Collins’ numbers be if he played in December? Over 1,300 yards with 10 scores and 100 receptions? How much more would he have wanted now entering a contract year?

At this point in their careers, teams know what to expect from Mike Evans, A.J. Brown and Calvin Ridley, who each received significant deals in the offseason. Collins’ upside remains unknown as he enters all top 10 conversations among pass-catchers entering 2024.

That’s a good thing. It’s terrifying, but a positive thing when talking about Collins’ potential. He might be worth $24.1 million.

He might be worth more but on a team-friendly deal. Given his mild attitude internally, it’s hard to imagine Collins’ having a problem with his current contract regardless of what others around him are making.

Jefferson will be paid, but his hopes for getting to a Super Bowl reside in the hands of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Lamb should get a deal done soon, but who knows what happens to Dallas with Dak Prescott’s contract up in the air.

Aiyuk will get his money, but will it be from San Francisco? The same goes for Higgins, who has yet to sign his franchise tag tender. Who knows if the Bengals’ Super Bowl window is open even with Chase paid up?

The Texans have a receiver who is happy, compensated and locked up on a roster ready to go for a run through the postseason.

That seems like a win all around.

Texans’ receiver duo ranked among best in NFL by PFF

According to PFF, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs are bonafide top 32 receivers entering the 2024 season. Did Tank Dell make the cut?

Nico Collins is a newly-paid man and Stefon Diggs has the most receptions since 2020. Combined, the Houston Texans have one of the top duos at pass-catchers entering 2024. 

Pro Football Focus tends to agree, though the publication might not be ready to call Houston home to the top trio in the sport. 

According to PFF, the Texans have the third-highest ranked duo in the NFL after acquiring Diggs from the Buffalo Bills earlier this offseason. Sam Monson ranked the top 32 receivers heading into June, with Diggs appearing just outside the top 10 at No. 11 and Collins debuting at No. 15. 

Diggs, who posted four consecutive 1,10-yard seasons, was knocked down a few notches after underwhelming in the second half. Still, PFF praised him for being one of the top route-runners heading into his age-30 season. 

Stefon Diggs is coming off a rough second half of the season and is 30 years old. On the other hand, he is a year removed from a dominant season with over 1,400 receiving yards and a 90.1 overall PFF grade. With more help around him in Houston, one of the most crafty veterans in the league could have a bounce-back season. – PFF 

Collins, who recently was given a three-year, $72.5 million extension, was one of the biggest risers after his breakout season with C.J. Stroud. He should only continue to blossom now with another year under his belt. 

Nico Collins had a phenomenal breakout year last season with C.J. Stroud throwing him the football. He trailed only Tyreek Hill in yards per route run (3.10), and caught over 50% of his contested targets. – PFF

Last season, Collins became the third receiver in Texans’ history to finish with over 1,200 receiving yards in a single season. The other two? Hall of Famer Andre Johnson and former All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins. 

Houston believes that. Collins, 25, still has his best years ahead. When healthy, the former Michigan product has been a consistent playmaker across the middle of the field, dropping only 10 passes in three seasons. 

As for rookie sensation Tank Dell, the verdict remains out on his long-term status. He proved to be a reliable No. 2 weapon opposite Collins entering 2024, but a broken leg suffered in early December sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023 season. 

Dell, last year’s third-round pick out of Houston, could end up being one of the top No. 2 targets in the league when healthy, but he also could see his production take a dip with Diggs on the roster. Time will tell if the trio can live up to the billing as the next great trio in the NFL. 

So far during OTAs, everyone seems to be on the same page. 

Texans OC Bobby Slowik believes C.J. Stroud shares one trait with Stefon Diggs

Both C.J. Stroud and Stefon Diggs have a budding relationship based on their intent to win on Sundays.

What do Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs have in common besides sharing a locker room?

They enjoy winning. They don’t care how it’s done, just so long as securing the ‘W’ is accomplished.

At least that’s how second-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik sees it following Diggs’ first voluntary OTA practice on Thursday.

“He’s so competitive and it shows on tape,” Slowki said of Diggs Thursday following practice. “He’s a lot like our quarterback in that he will do absolutely anything necessary to win a game. Whether he doesn’t have the ball, he has the ball in his hands, at all times between the white lines, he’s doing everything he can to win.”

Acquired for a 2025 second-round pick from the Buffalo Bills, Diggs serves as the final piece to an offense that could terrorize opponents en route to an AFC title in 2024. The Texans spent the entirety of the offseason building around Stroud for the long haul, handing out extensions to Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz and Joe Mixon.

Diggs, 30, will be playing for a new contract after the Texans voided the final three years of his former extension in Buffalo. For now, consider him a one-year rental option that could return on a team-friendly deal depending on his numbers.

While Diggs’ numbers might drop, Houston seems in a better position than the Bills to compete for a Super Bowl, even without Josh Allen leading the offense. Stroud, who last season threw for over 4,100 yards and 23 touchdowns, is considered by many to be a top-five passer in the pros.

While in Orchard Park, Diggs often was the only target to step up in marquee games. In Houston, he’ll split reps with Collins, Schultz, Mixon, rookie tight end Cade Stover and breakout receiver Tank Dell.

“It’s hard [to defend], we all got different games,” Collins said of Houston’s receiving corps. “As a unit, as a receiver room, we got the pieces we need. It’s going to be hard for defenses.”

Despite a drop-off in reps late last season, Diggs remains one of the game’s top playmakers and consistent weapons. He posted four 100-plus catch seasons in Buffalo and totaled at least 1,100 yards per season.

Since 2020, Diggs has led the NFL in receptions (445) and ranks second in receiving yards (5,372).

“He’s got all the receiver traits you could ask for,” Slowik said. “But what jumps out to me, and what fits with us and what we’re always engaged with is how competitive guys are, how tough they are and the style of play they have.”

The Texans return next week for mandatory camp beginning on Tuesday.

Breaking down Texans WR Nico Collins new three-year extension

Here’s how Nico Collins’ contract works going into his new three-year, $72.5 million extension with the Houston Texans.

Nico Collins is a newly-paid man and the long-term No. 1 receiver in the Houston Texans’  offense. Good, it’s just what the AFC South champions need to build off a promising first season under C.J. Stroud. 

How much will Collins make annually on the current three-year, $72.5 million extension? Well, each season differs based on the salary cap. 

According to KPRC2 Sports‘ Aaron Wilson, Collins will earn a base salary of $1.61 million (guaranteed for skill, injury and salary cap) in 2024 in the final year of his rookie contract. In 2025, that number will expand to $13.5 million and then $20 million in 2026 ($10 million of which is fully guaranteed) In 2027, Collins will make $21.25 million in nong-uaranteed and $10 million more fully guaranteed than his deal in 2026. 

Collins, who last season joined Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins as the only Texans’ player with 1,200 receiving yards in a single season, can earn up to $75 million in incentives. According to Wilson, here’s how the deal will transpire to meet each benchmark: 

  • $250,000 for Pro Bowl selection
  • $250,000 for 95 or more catches
  • $250,000 for 1,460 receiving yards.

A third-round pick out of Michigan in 2021, Collins lived up to the billing as Stroud’s go-to target, hauling in 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns. In three seasons, Collins has 150 catches for 2,224 yards and 11 touchdowns.

With the deal finalized, Collins becomes the eighth-highest paid wide receiver in the league in annual compensation, trailing Eagles’ DeVonta Smith ($25 million) while ranking ahead of Seahawks’ D.K Metcalf ($24 million). On Thursday, the Miami Dolphins agreed to terms on a three-year, $84.7 million extension with Jaylen Waddle, $76 million of which is guaranteed. 

The Texans are betting on Collins’ promise moving forward and believe he can live up to the billing as the new No. 1 in an offense that features four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs, reliable tight end Dalton Schultz, Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and breakout rookie Tank Dell. 

Diggs, who the Texans traded for this offseason from the Bills in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, is the only player not under contract through 2026 after Schultz (three-year, $36 million) and Mixon (three-year, $27 million) agreed to extensions earlier this offseason.

Texans announce extension with WR Nico Collins

Nico Collins has officially agreed to terms with the Houston Texans, keeping him in the AFC South through the 2027 season.

Signed, sealed, and delivered, Nico Collins is locked in with the Houston Texans for the long haul.

The Texans announced Wednesday that they have agreed to terms on a three-year extension with a maximum value of $75 million with the third-year pro. Collins, who will earn $52 million in guaranteed money, will now be under contract through the 2027 season.

A deal was always expected to get done this offseason after Collins proved his value as a legitimate No. 1 target for Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud. but the timing had to be right. General manager Nick Caserio told reporters during the scouting combine in Indianapolis that he would begin discussions with Collins’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, though it would come after free agency.

In the meantime, the asking price went up for receivers as more pass-catchers inked extensions, including Detriot’s Amon-Ra St. Brown,  Philadelphia’s DeVonta Smith and Indianapolis’ Michael Pittman Jr. The Texans also traded a 2025 second-round to the Buffalo Bills for four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs.

But Collins, Caserio’s first major hit in the draft out of Michigan in 2021, remained steadfast on his intent to return to Houston and build off a promising third season. He now will earn roughly $24 million annually per season.

“When the ball is in their hands, an explosive play is coming,” Collins told KPRC2 Sports earlier this month on the offense. “I feel like, for us, we need to continue to work on the details, continue to be us, continue to have fun and show the world what we can do. I can’t wait for it.”

The extension makes Collins, 25, the 10th-highest paid receiver in contract value and seventh-highest paid target in annual salary, just between Smith and Seatltle’s Pro Bowl target D.K. Metcalf. Last season in 15 games, he caught 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns.

Houston believes Collins can be the next legit X-factor receiver in franchise history and live up to expectations set for Hall of Famer Andre Johnson and All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins. Much like the duo, Collins is the only other weapon to finish with over 1,2000 receiving yards in a single season.

The former Wolverine won’t be alone in Houston’s passing game this season. On top of adding Diggs, the Texans bring back rookie sensation Tank Dell, who was on pace for a 1,000-yard season before suffering a broken leg against the Denver Broncos in early December.

Dell, along with Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and tight end Dalton Schultz, will be under contract through the 2026 season. Mixon, whom the Texans traded for earlier this offseason, agreed to terms on a three-year, $27 million extension in March.

Schultz, Stroud’s security blanket and one of the more consistent tight ends in the NFL, inked a fresh three-year extension worth $36 million before the start of free agency.

Texans WR Nico Collins agrees to 3-year, $72.75M extension

Nico Collins broke out last season for the Houston Texans and now is being rewarded with a massive extension before the start of mandatory camp.

The Houston Texans have locked up Nico Collins for the long haul.

Collins, Houston’s breakout wide receiver from the 2023 AFC South-winning season, agreed to terms on a three-year, $72.75 million extension that includes $52 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

The contract has a maximum value of $75 million should Collins meet the incentives before the deal expires in 2027. The former third-round pick when entering the final year of rookie contract and was expected to remain in Huston for the long haul.

The star acquisition of Nick Caserio’s first draft with the Texans in 2021, Collins proved his value as a No. 1 receiver last season en route to helping C.J. Stroud win Offensive Rookie of the Year. In 15 games, Collins hauled in 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns.

Earlier this offseason, Caserio said the two sides were expected to begin negotiations for a long-term deal, though those discussions would come after free agency and the NFL draft.

“That’s coming. That could be a player that maybe he’s a part of the future. You’re dealing with the present,” Caserio said during the NFL Scouting Combine in March. “You’re focused on the short-term, but part of our responsibility is to kind of think ahead a little bit and just try to make good sound decisions for the team and the organization.”

Collins, who in three seasons has caught 150 passes for 2,224 yards and 11 touchdowns, told KPC2 Sports earlier this month he’d love to remain in Houston past 2024 and remain a vital asset to what looks to be a promising future at NRG Stadium.

“That’s everybody’s dream. To hear that from Nick, man, it means a lot,” Collins said. “For me, I just got to continue to keep my head down. Continue to work on my game, continue to improve every day and continue to chase my end goal.”

Even though a long-term deal was expected between the two sides, other extensions factored into negotiations for the Michigan product. Collins was one of several pass-catchers to receive an extension, joining other breakout stars like Philadelphia’s Devonta Smith, Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown and Indianapolis’ Michael Pittman Jr.

Eagles’ top target A.J. Brown (three-year, $96 million) and Buccaneers’ long-term No. 1 receiver Mike Evans (two-year, $52 million) also received deals, though neither player was expected to leave their respective teams unless it was by trade.

While Houston must strike a long-term deal with four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs, its offense looks poised to remain one of the league’s best past 2024. Collins will remain the top target for Stroud in an offense featuring Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, tight end Dalton Schultz, and breakout rookie receiver Tank Dell.

Mixon, whom the Texans traded for earlier this offseason, and Schultz, each agreed to three-year extensions earlier this offseason. Both will be under contract through at least 2026, the same year Stroud will be eligible for what’s expected to be a mega-extension.