Nico Collins, Houston Texans
Getty
Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans speaks to the media before the AFC Pro Bowl practice.
The Houston Texans are in a much better financial position than they were at the start of the offseason, despite their slew of roster moves. However, like every team, the Texans have spots where they face potential overpays, and, to some, Nico Collins qualifies.
Collins is a former third-round draft pick of the Texans, who has posted back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons.
He also has two years left on his current contract.
Nico Collins Called Texans’ ‘Most Overpaid’ Player
Nico Collins, Houston Texans
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans looks on during warmups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio drew praise from Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, who listed Collins among his list of “most overpaid players.” Gagnon chose one from each team, forcing a decision for a well-constructed Texans roster.
“To Texans general manager Nick Caserio’s credit, even this is a bit of a reach, as there aren’t any glaringly overpaid players on Houston’s roster,” Gagnon wrote on March 27. “That said, Collins will cost the team $27.8 million in 2026 (the fifth-highest cap number in the league at that position), and he scored just six touchdowns while catching fewer than 60 percent of the passes thrown his way in 2025. They need more from him.”
Collins, who turned 27 on March 19, is signed through 2027 on a three-year, $72.7 million contract.
He has posted 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of the past three seasons.
Collins ranks 23rd in targets and receptions in that span, per Stathead, but he is ninth in receiving yards and 11th in touchdown grabs. He could also become quite a bit more expensive on his next deal.
Nico Collins a Bargain
Nico Collins, Houston Texans
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans reacts after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
Gagnon’s point stands out amid the recent dialogue around Collins, who others consider a bargain for the Texans on his current contract.
“Nico Collins’ APY is $24.25M (top 10 at the time of his extension in 2024),” Houston Stressans posted on X on March 23, including a graphic of the top-10 highest-paid at the position. “He’s now down to 19th among WRs.
“Was hoping for a new deal soon… but now you start to wonder if the timing is right.”
Another fan called Caserio a “wizard” in light of the Seattle Seahawks’ historic $168 million extension for Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
How long Collins remains a bargain depends on whether the Texans attempt to lower his cap number, which could happen via an extension. Coliln
Texans Have Poured Resources Into WR Room
Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans
GettyJaylin Noel #14 of the Houston Texans reacts after a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Texans invested heavily in the position last offseason, acquiring Christian Kirk (now of the San Francisco 49ers) in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, drafting Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, and signing Justin Watson in free agency.
They have also leaned on 2023 sixth-round pick Xavier Hutchinson.
Houston will also get Tank Dell back this season, adding another dynamic (if healthy) playmaker back into the mix after he missed the entire 2025 campaign.
Still, Collins remains the Texans’ most imposing wideout, and he could be in line for a restructuring that sets the stage for an extension down the road. Collins is also close with Texans QB C.J. Stroud, whose arrival coincided with the start of the wideout’s three-season run.
Divesting the wide receiver room makes little sense after the Texans’ work to assemble it.