Houston Texans Extend WR Nico Collins for $72.75M for 3 Years

The Houston Texans have solidified their receiving corps by agreeing to a three-year, $72.75 million extension with wide receiver Nico Collins. Agents Drew Rosenhaus, Ryan Matha, and Jason Rosenhaus confirmed the deal to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday, highlighting $52 million in guaranteed money. The contract carries a maximum value of $75 million.

Collins, 25, is coming off a career-best season with 80 receptions, ranking 23rd in the NFL, for 1,297 yards (8th) and eight touchdowns (tied for 8th) across 15 games. Drafted in the third round in 2021, Collins was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, having amassed 150 catches for 2,224 yards and 11 touchdowns over three seasons.

The Texans recently fortified their receiving options by acquiring Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills for a 2025 second-round pick and two additional draft picks. Diggs, who received a $3.5 million raise from Houston, is poised to enter free agency after this season following the Texans’ decision to void the final three years of his contract and raise his 2024 base salary to $22.52 million.

The extension ensures the Texans retain two dynamic playmakers beyond the 2024 season: 2023 third-rounder Tank Dell and Collins. Dell, who totaled 709 yards in his rookie season, suffered a broken leg in December but has since recovered and participated in Texans OTAs. He was also involved in an incident in April where he was shot at a private event in Sanford, Florida.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans expressed excitement about the versatility of his receiving corps, emphasizing their ability to create mismatches and capitalize on explosive plays. Ryans praised their effectiveness on third downs and in the red zone, highlighting their shared ability to finish plays and find the end zone.