Texans’ Nico Collins reacts to GM’s contract extension declaration

Wide receiver Nico Collins of the Houston Texans had a breakout season in 2023, helping the team win the AFC South division title and, in the process, spoil the AFC party. Nick Caserio, the general manager of Houston, might be getting ready to reward him for it now.

This offseason, Collins became eligible for a contract extension, and according to Aaron Wilson, Caserio mentioned the prospect of a new contract for his top pass-catcher back at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

“I’m sure someone will ask me about Nico Collins here very soon. That will happen soon. That player might be one that we see in the future. You’re taking care of the here and now. You’re all focused on the here and now, but we also have an obligation to attempt to plan ahead and make wise decisions that will benefit the team and the company as a whole.

That was around a month and a half ago, and as of right now, it doesn’t appear that Collins’ possible extension has advanced all that much. That does not imply, however, that Collins is unaware of the sentiment’s value.

When inquired about Caserio considering him for an extension, Collins responded, “It means a lot.” It is everyone’s aspiration. It means a lot to hear that from Nick, man. I just have to keep putting in the effort to keep my head down. I’ll keep honing my craft, getting better every day, and working toward my ultimate objective.

After an incredible season in which he caught 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight scores, Collins is currently off the field.

Before making a breakthrough in 2023, the 25-year-old was taken by the Texans in the third round of the NFL Draft in 2021. He had two seasons with fewer than 500 yards. However, with the acquisition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs by Houston earlier in the offseason through a trade with the Buffalo Bills, Collins’ touches may now decline. Tank Dell, a second-year receiver, is also making a comeback from an injury.

In 2023, Collins was without a doubt quarterback C.J. Stroud’s top receiver, but with Diggs joining the team, that might no longer be the case.
Collins doesn’t appear to care about that.

It’s nice, man. According to Wilson, “I think the offense is a lot of weapons.” “Everyone is entitled to a chance. I’m eager for it.

Collins continued, saying he and Diggs “can’t wait to share the field.” Fans of the Texans are undoubtedly thrilled as well, since their team now boasts a formidable receiving group in Diggs, Collins, and Dell. Furthermore, Houston added running back Joe Mixon in free agency and possesses tight end Dalton Schultz.

Of course, Stroud has no shortage of weapons; the question is, will Diggs present any problems for the offense?

Diggs’ releases from the Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills were both fairly messy. Not only was he unhappy in Minnesota, but he also caused trouble in Buffalo. Despite Diggs having over 100 receptions in each of his four seasons with the Bills, this is the case.

In Year 1 with the Texans, if his targets decline, as they almost certainly will, how will the 30-year-old handle it?

Diggs is unlikely to record 100 receptions in a stacked offense with so many weapons. Furthermore, considering the rapport Stroud has already established with Collins, it makes sense that he would even be partial to the latter.

Of course, the Texans’ offense will be deadly if everything goes as planned. Collins described it as “dangerous.”