Texans gave Nico Collins $17 million more over two years after GM said trade rumors could 'shove it'
Collins was the 18th-highest-paid receiver despite ranking 4th in yards per game since 2024. The restructured deal fixes that: he's now fifth at the position and fully guaranteed through 2027.
Nico Collins and the Texans restructured his contract on Tuesday, adding $9 million in cash for 2026 and $8 million for 2027 while guaranteeing both seasons. GM Nick Caserio had shut down trade speculation weeks earlier. The restructure is the follow-through: Collins goes from 18th to 5th among receivers in pay.
What changed in the contract?
Collins' original 2024 extension paid him $20.875 million in 2026, ranking him 18th among receivers despite production that put him in the top five. The restructure adds $9 million to 2026 (bringing him to $29.875 million) and $8 million to 2027. Both years are now fully guaranteed. The $29.875 million average for 2026 ranks fifth among all receivers in the NFL. The adjustment essentially corrects a deal that was signed before Collins established his elite status over two full Pro Bowl seasons.
What did Caserio say about the trade rumors?
'We're not trading Nico Collins. Whoever reported it or whatever information that they had, they can shove it.' The quote came after Collins' name surfaced in draft-weekend trade speculation, which Caserio characterized as false. The restructure, agreed to shortly after the draft, reinforced that position with contract terms. Collins was publicly available for comment and stayed quiet, letting his GM handle it.
What has Collins produced to justify this?
Three consecutive seasons above 1,000 receiving yards. In 2025: 71 catches for 1,117 yards in 15 games. Since 2024 he ranks 10th in total receiving yards, 4th in yards per game, and tied 14th in touchdowns among all receivers. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons. The Texans built their offense around C.J. Stroud and Collins together, and the production validated that investment. Without Collins on the field, Houston's passing attack loses its primary downfield option.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Texans give star WR Nico Collins raise in reworked deal
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