After completing three NFL seasons, Standoung Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins is now eligible for a contract extension.
After a breakout season, the former All-Big Ten Conference pick from Michigan is entering the last year of his four-year, $4.852 million rookie contract.
This includes a $902,990 signing bonus and a $1.324 million base salary for this year. With NFL rules allowing for early contract extensions after three seasons, Collins trusts the team's approach and is willing to let negotiations progress at their own pace.
“Oh man, I would love that,” Collins said to KPRC 2. “That would be great. I feel like that’s what everybody works for. I’m just going to let it come to me, whatever they decide, whatever they want to do. I’m going to let it ride. Me, I’m going to continue to get better and work on my game. If they want to negotiate, we can.”
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Collins blazes through the 40-yard dash in just 4.4 seconds. His standout season included 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 regular-season games.
In the postseason, he maintained his production, recording 11 catches for 164 yards and one touchdown, with nine first downs on 17 targets across two games.
“Man, it was amazing, a blessed season,” Collins told KPRC. “I did miss a couple of games but made it out healthy. l did well for the team. I stayed healthy. I balled out. It was a long season, but a fun season. A lot of memories, I’m excited to get back to work and pick up where we left off. Great guys in the locker room, it’s going to be an exciting year.
Collins provided a strong downfield presence for the resurgent Texans team led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and coach DeMeco Ryans as they went from 3-13-1 a year ago to 11-8 overall and winning the AFC South division title.
Collins aims to build upon the achievements of the 2023 season.
“Time to reload and pick up where we left off. It’s definitely a blessing, a great team to be around," Collins said. "I think it’s time. Can’t wait to get everybody back. I feel like we’re on a mission. It’s real. It really is. We can’t wait to be back where we left off. It wasn’t how we wanted to finish. I feel like we’re all locked in, bought in and we want to prove everybody wrong again.”
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