NFL Rumors: Houston Texans Wide Receiver Nico Collins Open to Extension

The Houston Texans are coming off a promising 2023 season and are willing to do what it takes to keep their core together. According to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, there is "mutual interest" in a contract extension between the Texans and wide receiver Nico Collins.

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

Collins is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is coming off a breakout season. Over a scintillating 15 starts, Collins more than doubled his previous career highs in receptions (80), receiving yards (1297), and touchdowns (8), all while maintaining a highly efficient 11.9 yards per target.

Perhaps more than any other player on the roster last year, Collins benefitted from the exceptional play of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Collins was easily Stroud's top target, and the two clearly established the requisite chemistry to form the foundation of a consistently effective passing attack for years to come. Collins remains only 24 years old, and his exceptional size and speed should mean he still has room for improvement.

Which is to say Collins will be very, very expensive. If the Texans know what's good for them, they'll try to sign Collins as soon as possible; he'll only get pricier. Collins expressed a willingness to play out the final year of his contract, and that makes a certain amount of sense: If he can maintain his level of play from last year, let alone improve on it, he could find himself landing a contract that flirts with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill's record-setting four-year, $120 million deal signed in 2022.