Nico Collins addresses faith in C.J. Stroud, uncertain future with Texans

The fact that the Houston Texans don't seem to be in any rush to sign quarterback C.J. Stroud to a multiyear contract extension this offseason has sparked speculation among members of the football community regarding his long-term future with the club. 

Over the weekend, Texans wide receiver Nico Collins became the latest person associated with the franchise to defend Stroud following the signal-caller's lackluster performances in his last two playoff starts. 

Nico Collins: C.J. Stroud is a "man on a mission" after latest postseason woes

"Different guy, different dude, man on a mission," Collins said about Stroud, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. "Man, he’s ready to hunt." 

While Texans general manager Nick Caserio has publicly defended Stroud throughout the offseason, the club is currently only married to the 2023 first-round draft pick through the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to his rookie contract. Some believe that Caserio and Co. want to see how Stroud plays in a prove-it season before Houston signs the 24-year-old to what would almost certainly be an expensive extension. 

Most recently, Stroud was intercepted five times and lost two of five fumbles over Houston's two playoff games this past January. His career postseason record is now 3-3, and the perception exists that he has regressed since he won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award for the 2023 campaign. 

Nico Collins making feelings on status with the Texans clear

While Collins signed a three-year, $75M maximum value deal in May 2024, he became the subject of trade rumors ahead of this year's draft. Caserio made it known in April that "we’re not trading Collins," and the 27-year-old confirmed that he wants to stay with the team that drafted him back in 2021. 

"I love the Texans," Collins said over the weekend. "I got drafted here. It’s somewhere I want to end. I love the city, the people, the community. There’s a lot of great positive vibes coming out of the city of Houston. So, it’s definitely a place I would like to retire." 

It remains to be seen if either Collins or Stroud will receive an extension before the 2026 regular season gets underway. If they don't, Houston could move on from either player or both of them as soon as next offseason.