Texans' Nico Collins 'Locked In' on Proving Himself as Contract Extension Looms

The Houston Texans have expressed a desire to begin contract talks with wide receiver Nico Collins, who is "locked in" on having another career year in 2024.

INDIANAPOLIS -- It was an interesting tactic by Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio. 

While toying with reporters who asked questions about free agency and whether or not the team will pursue All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley, Caserio brought up wide receiver Nico Collins at the NFL Combine Wednesday afternoon. 

"I'll get a question here very soon about Nico Collins — that's coming," Caserio said. "That could be a player that maybe he's a part of the future. You're dealing with the present. You're focused on the short term. But part of our responsibility is to kind of think ahead a little bit and just try to make good sound decisions for the team and the organization."

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) celebrates catching the ball during the first quarter in a 2024 AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Leapfrogging to a topic centered around Collins may have been a reach in the minds of several reporters standing inside the Indiana Convention Center. However, Caserio's statement gave a glimpse into the franchise's future with Collins.

Collins is coming off a career season where he became the fourth player in franchise history to reach 1,000 receiving yards — joining Brandon Cooks, DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson. He recorded 1,297 yards on 80 catches and eight touchdowns.

His production has the Texans considering a potential contract extension this off-season. But Collins' top objective is to stay focused on his game while trying to replicate his career performance for a second consecutive season in 2024.

"In my head, I’m locked into where I feel like I need another year to prove to everybody what I can do," Collins said during a recent interview with Pro Bowl WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh on Airing it Out on Fubo Sports. "I feel like this year is going to be a little bit of a better year; just mentally and physically, I know what to expect. I feel like I’m learning and getting better and growing. I’m just learning the game better."

Collins understands the league is a business and would not mind receiving an early payday. But the disappointment of his first two seasons has driven Collins to remain focused on his game.

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Injuries derailed Collins' first two years, where he appeared in 24 out of 34 games with 15 starts. He had recorded a combined 927 yards on 70 catches and three touchdowns. Collins said he is "locked in" on proving his worth for a second consecutive year.

The 2024 season will be the final year of Collins' rookie contract. He is set to become a free agent unless the Texans can get a deal done before March 2025. At the moment, Collins' market value is worth $22.9 million. A price that could rise should Collins come close to matching his career production from the previous season.

“If it comes early, it comes early. But my mindset is just go play ball and let it all play out. I’m not chasing it," Collins said. "I want to get paid; everybody wants to get paid. But just, you gotta let it come to you. I know it's coming, but it’s a business. I’ve got a lot more to prove.”