Nico Collins, Texans Reportedly Agree to Revised Contract, Full Details Revealed

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is getting a raise ahead of the 2026 season.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Collins and the Texans agreed to "an adjusted contract" on Tuesday that features a $9 million cash increase in 2026 and an $8 million increase in 2027.

Collins is signed through 2027 and is eligible to become a free agent in 2028 after agreeing to a three-year, $72 million extension in 2024. That timeline effectively left Houston with a decision to make, and teams around the league weren't sitting idle.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on April 23 that Collins was garnering outside interest. A day later, however, Texans general manager Nick Caserio emphatically refuted any idea the team might part ways with the veteran pass-catcher.

"We're not trading Nico Collins," he told reporters. "Whoever reported it or whatever information that they had, they can shove it. We're not trading Nico."

Collins was a Pro Bowler for the second time in 2025. He led the Texans in receiving yards (1,117) and tied for the team lead in touchdown grabs with six.

The lack of depth in Houston's receiving corps only adds to the 27-year-old's value.

Tank Dell missed all of last season due to a major knee injury, one that raises questions about his value moving forward. Jayden Higgins, a second-round pick in 2025, was solid as a rookie without excelling. He had 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns.

The Texans could ill afford to lose Collins or sour their relationship with him to where an exit was on the table in 2027.

The front office had to weigh how much it was prepared to pay the wideout, though.

Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. have signed rookie extensions that average $50 million and $30 million annually. Defensive end Danielle Hunter will carry a $45 million salary cap in 2027. Quarterback C.J. Stroud's salary will jump to $25.9 million next season, and a multiyear deal will cost far more than that if he rebounds on the field.

When it comes to receivers, the Seattle Seahawks reset the market when Jaxon Smith-Njigba secured $42.2 million annually and $120.1 million guaranteed. The mid-$30 million range was Collins' floor based on his age and production, and he'll now creep toward that after agreeing to the two-year raise.