Nico Collins: Monster Texans contract extension is ‘motivation’

Texans receiver Nico Collins is relishing his new contract. Who wouldn’t be? It recognizes and says thanks for what he did last season as Houston quickly evolved from NFL afterthought to contender.

The former Michigan star talked about his new deal at a press conference. And what stood out the most was Collins’ promise that he needs to do more.

“This is unexplainable,” Collins told reporters gathered in Houston. “This is something I’ve been wishing for since I was a little kid. I’ve been playing football since I was five or six years old. The dream is to make it to the league and get that second contract. God has blessed me with the opportunity. And, now, I got it. I feel like, now, it’s motivation. I feel like there’s more to be proved.”

The Texans signed him to a three-year deal that will average $25 million a season. As Collins heads into his fourth season, his contract currently ranks as the eighth-highest among receivers in the NFL.

“I feel like for me it was never about the money,” he said. “I just love the game of football. So getting money, it’s a good thing. I ain’t saying no to no bread now. but it’s really just a blessing. I just love the game of football. (And) I love what comes with it, man. I love working on my game and I love winning.”

Collins was perfect receiver for Texans rookie QB CJ Stroud

Collins was the perfect receiver for Texans rookie sensation C.J. Stroud, the second pick of last year’s NFL Draft. Stroud helped elevate the offense under new head coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. All are on the practice field this week as the Texans go through phase three of OTAs.

A year ago, Collins caught 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns. He also posted five 100-yard receiving games to help the Texans win the AFC South. His production doubled from the year before. Of course, Collins also battled injury problems in 2022.

He also has premiere size at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds. Plus, he sports 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash. With those sorts of physical gifts, he can hone in on running crisp routes and learning more about defensive coverages.

“For me, it’s all about working on my game, becoming a better person, teammate and route runner,” Collins said. “You can never get comfortable in your game. I feel like, just because I got this, this isn’t the end. It is only the beginning.”

Receiver market is booming with big contracts

Collins probably shouldn’t get too comfortable about having a salary ranked in the top 10 for those at his position. Receivers are hot commodities in the NFL job market. Thanks to deals earlier this off-season, Eagles star A.J. Brown ($32 million) and Lions’ standout Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30.002 million) emerged as the highest-paid receivers. They’re both ahead of Tyreek Hill ($30 million) of the Dolphins, who had been the highest paid the past two seasons. Hill’s teammate Jaylen Waddle ($28.2 million) agreed to a new deal this week to nudge ahead of Davante Adams ($28 million) of the Raiders. Plus, Rams receiver Cooper Kupp makes $26.7 million and the Eagles DeVonta Smith makes $25 million.

But look out for these deals on the horizon. Justin Jefferson of the Vikings and CeeDee Lamb with the Cowboys both should top $30 million. Tee Higgins of the Bengals also wants a better contract. None of the three are participating in OTAs with their teams. And San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk wants a pay bump, too.

However, back in Houston, Collins is joyous over his new deal with the Texans.

“It’s a blessing,” Collins said. “I know if I continue to be myself and work the way I want to work, everything will fall in place. For me, I have to focus on this season. Go out there and have fun. Everything else will fall in place.”