-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins had a breakout campaign in 2023, playing a pivotal role in helping the Texans capture a stunning AFC South division title and crash the AFC party in the process. Now, Houston general manager Nick Caserio may be preparing to reward him for it.
Collins became eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and at the NFL Scouting Combine back in February, Caserio spoke about the possibility of a new deal for his star pass-catcher, per Aaron Wilson.
“I’m sure I’ll get a question here very soon about Nico Collins. That’s coming. That could be a player that maybe he’s a part of the future. You’re dealing with the present. 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.”
That was about a month and a half ago, and as it currently stands, it doesn’t seem much progress had been made on a potential extension for Collins. However, that does not mean Collins doesn’t appreciate the sentiment.
“It means a lot,” Collins said when asked about Caserio viewing him as an extension candidate. “That’s everybody’s dream. To hear that from Nick, man, it means a lot. 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.”
Collins is coming off of a spectacular season in which he hauled in 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns.
The 25-year-old was originally selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft and posted under 500 yards in each of his first two campaigns before breaking through in 2023. But now, Collins’ touches may dip, as Houston acquired star wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a trade with the Buffalo Bills earlier this offseason. Plus, second-year receiver Tank Dell is returning from injury.
Nico Collins chimes in on Stefon Diggs addition
Collins was the clear-cut No. 1 receiver for quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2023, but that could change with Diggs now aboard.
That doesn’t seem to bother Collins.
“Man, it’s nice. I feel like the offense is a lot of weapons,” he said, via Wilson. “Everybody has got a chance. … I can’t wait for it.”
Collins added that he “can’t wait to share the field” with Diggs. Texans fans are obviously excited, too, as their squad now has a fearsome trio of Diggs, Collins and Dell in their receiving corps. Additionally, Houston has tight end Dalton Schultz, and it signed running back Joe Mixon in free agency.
Obviously, there is no shortage of weapons for Stroud, but the question is, will the offense encounter any issues with Diggs?
Diggs had rather messy exits from both the Minnesota Vikings and the Bills. He was dissatisfied in Minnesota, and he caused problems in Buffalo, too. That in spite of the fact that Diggs racked up over 100 receptions in all four of his seasons with the Bills.
How will the 30-year-old handle it if his targets decrease—and they almost surely will—in Year 1 with the Texans?
In a loaded offense that features so many weapons, Diggs will probably not be posting 100 catches. It also stands to reason that Stroud may actually favor Collins given the connection that he has already developed with him.
Of course, if all goes according to plan, the Texans’ offense will be lethal. Collins said it would be “dangerous.”
But it’s important to keep in mind that the game is not played on paper. We’ll have to see how well Diggs meshes with his new teammates come September.
More must-reads:
- If Lions HC Dan Campbell's assessment of WR is accurate it could mean trouble for opponents
- Roger Goodell discusses factors for possible 18-game NFL season
- The 'Most touchdowns in a season for every NFL franchise' quiz
Breaking News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
