Houston Texans sign WR Nico Collins to three-year extension

Even after what has been, thus far, the most thrilling and exciting offseason in Houston Texans history, amid voluntary offseason workouts where we are the first mix of rookies and veterans , Houston Texans fans are wondering one thing: What else does general manager Nick Caserio have up his sleeve?

Approximately $20 million in cap space will make Texas fans dream a little more and wonder what else is available to help this team reach the top. Turns out the latest big Caserio bombshell of the offseason may be more about the long term than the short term, as fourth-year receiver Nico Collins agreed to a $72.75 million contract extension on Tuesday over three years which will come into force after the 2024 season.

Collins spent his first two seasons as a Texan, in 2021 and 2022, battling injuries and surrounding ineptitude, i.e. poor quarterback play and poor coaching. During the offseason leading into 2023, Collins did his part to become a healthier player, changing his workouts and nutrition, and the team did its part by bringing in better coaches and, more importantly again, CJ Stroud at quarterback.

The end result: Collins catching 80 balls for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns. He was fantastic throughout the season and only missed two games due to injury. As far as contract extensions go, this one was crucial. Here are four thoughts on the deal:

It’s a good deal for both parties
The average annual value (AAV) of just over $24 million is the 7th highest total for an NFL wide receiver, which may seem high if Collins only had one truly excellent season . However, it’s worth noting that several pass catchers are seeking deals that will surpass Collins’ new deal – Justin Jefferson, Ceedee Lamb, Ja’Marr Chase and Brandon Aiyuk, to name a few. This Collins deal will actually be even better in just two months! I’m glad the Texans didn’t display their own 2021 and 2022 ineptitude against Collins, and I’m very happy for a guy who outlasted David Culley, Lovie Smith, Pep Hamilton, and Jack Easterby.

This agreement is a first for Nick Caserio, in this sense….
Nico Collins is the first player drafted by Caserio to sign a second contract with the team. First of many, we hope. There was a time when many Houston Texans fans didn’t want to see Caserio get the chance to re-sign one of his own draft picks to a second contract, but the Texans VP/GM clearly went through this phase, and is now considered one of the best roster builders in the NFL. As for players who could or should join Collins in the “second contract” club in the coming years, I’d break them down like this:

LOCKS – CJ Stroud, Will Anderson
LOCK, SO SOUND – Derek Stingley, Tank Dell
LOCK, IF IMPROVED – Jalen Pitre
PERSONS OF INTEREST – Christian Harris, Juice Scruggs

This all but confirms – Stefon Diggs will be a Houston Texan for one season
The team had already established this relationship as a short-term one, when it essentially crumpled up Diggs’ old contract and, to Diggs’ benefit, closed its deal with the Texans on a one-year contract for worth $22 million. My feeling has always been that it’s a win-win, as Diggs finds a big new contract this offseason, and the Texans are assured they’ll get the best version of the sometimes turbulent Diggs behind the scenes this season. However, with Collins signing this deal, it is very doubtful the Texans will make an offer for Diggs beyond this season. If they pay big money to another big receiver, besides Collins, it will probably be Dell in a few years.

Now is the time to surround a young quarterback with weapons
Caserio and the Texans put on a masterclass in how to prepare your young quarterback for success and surround him with weapons. Chronologically, here are every offensive move the Texans have made since drafting Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft:

DRAFT 2023 – JUICE SCRUGGS draft center
2023 DRAFT – draft TANK DELL wide receiver
SUMMER 2023 – extend both tackles (TUNSIL, HOWARD) until 2026
FREE AGENCY 2024 – re-sign tight end DALTON SCHULTZ through 2026
2024 TRADE – trade for running back JOE MIXON, extended until 2026
2024 TRADE – trade for wide receiver STEFON DIGGS
SUMMER 2024 – extend wide receiver NICO COLLINS through 2027

This, my friends, is how you build an NFL offense around an elite young quarterback.

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