Nico

Collins

The new deal guarantees his contract for the next two seasons while also adding an additional $9 million in 2026 and $8 million in 2027. The contract will still expire entering the 2028 season, with the veteran alpha also recently stating that he would like to play the entirety of his career in Houston. Agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus negotiated the amendment and are likely to get back to the negotiating table entering the 2027 season.

Collins, 27, signed a three-year, $75 million extension through 2027 back in 2024. As things currently stand, he is the 18th-highest paid wide receiver in terms of average annual value. NBC Sports Houston’s Aaron Wilson believes the team could restructure the deal for salary cap purposes, but Collins “is also likely due for a raise at some point and additional years on his contract.” He adds that the Texans could choose to address those issues “this year or before next season.” Per Over The Cap, the Texans have more than $19.3 million in salary cap space this year, but just over $1.6 million next year. Figuring out a new deal with a hefty signing bonus could free up cash for next season.

He then added, “Whoever reported it or whatever information that they had... they can take it and shove it.” Okay then. There were reports of teams calling the Texans about Collins ahead of the draft, but Houston was never going to deal their top wideout, and Caserio more than confirmed that as fact. The rumors stemmed from the idea that Collins, currently on a contract worth $24.25 million per year, should rightfully be searching for a pay raise. He is currently the 18th-highest paid wideout. Collins is under contract for two more seasons. He will likely get a multi-year extension next offseason, though Caserio could work out a deal even sooner to keep his superstar happy. Either way, Collins is locked in as a low-end WR1 for fantasy purposes in 2026.

Collins, who sustained a head injury in the Wild Card round against the Steelers, did not practice this week and was ruled out on Friday. It’s a massive blow to the Houston offense. Christian Kirk, who had 144 yards and a score last week against Pittsburgh, will profile as the team’s top receiver with Collins out. Brown tried to play but was unable to fight through an ankle injury.

Collins was unable to practice throughout the week. Texans slot WR Christian Kirk operated as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver last week, and is likely the best bet to do so again against the Patriots. It is an unfortunate development for Collins, who also missed his team’s Week 8 game against the 49ers due to concussion. Texans rookie WRs, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, have a chance to rise to the occasion.

The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander believes Collins is “a long shot” to play on Sunday against the Patriots, given “the steps he must clear.” Unfortunately, he might be right. Collins still has time to advance through the NFL’s five-phase concussion protocol, but another absence at tomorrow’s practice would be discouraging. Veteran slot WR Christian Kirk stepped up last week, catching 8-of-9 targets for 144 yards and one touchdown in the Texans’ Wild Card win over the Steelers. We expect him to operate as the team’s top target earner if Collins cannot play.

Collins’ head slammed into the ground during the third quarter of the Texans’ Wild Card Round win over the Steelers. He rode a cart to the locker room, did not return, and has since entered concussion protocol. Assuming he doesn’t make a late appearance at practice today, Collins looks unlikely to suit up for the Divisional Round. Christian Kirk erupted for 144 yards and a touchdown on eight grabs last week. He is in line for WR1 duties if Nico is ruled out.

Collins was unable to brace himself as he went to the ground on a catch attempt at the end of the third quarter, appearing to contact the frozen ground with the forehead area of his helmet. Clearly disoriented following the play, Collins had to be redirected towards the sideline after attempting to rejoin the huddle. He would then be seen hunched over on the sideline before even making it into the medical tent. Collins was eventually carted to the locker room with a towel over his head for further evaluation. It certainly appears as if his night is over after catching just 3-of-7 targets for 21 yards.

Collins will be rested for the playoffs with the Texans having already cemented a spot. Also inactive for the Texans are CB Kamari Lassiter, LB Jamal Hill, T Trent Brown, WR Braxton Berrios, RB Nick Chubb and QB Graham Mertz. Chubb’s healthy scratch means Jawhar Jordan will continue to see plenty of work behind Woody Marks.

The Texans could still win the AFC South with a win and a Jacksonville loss today, but the Jags face the lowly Titans. That all but guarantees them the AFC South crown, relegating Houston to a road playoff game. With little to play for, Collins will get the week off. As Slater notes, this will also give the Texans a better look at their rookie wideouts, Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. Both players are now solid FLEX options for fantasy managers still setting lineups this week.