The Houston Texans–thanks in large part to aggressive general manager Nick Caserio–have been a popular speculative team to watch for a potential trade during the 2026 draft, and early rumors have begun swirling around wide receiver Nico Collins.
Collins is coming off his fifth season with the Texans, logged his third straight campaign with over 1,000 receiving yards, and his second straight Pro Bowl appearance.
It would make sense, then, that rival teams would inquire about his availability.
Texans’ Nico Collins Drawing Trade Interest
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans speaks to the media before the AFC Pro Bowl practice.
The Texans selected Collins, who turned 27 in March, with the 89th overall pick of the 2021 draft, and he has become one of their best players.
Collins’ future with the franchise did not seem to be in question until a new report.
“Sources: Teams have called the #Texans to check on 2x Pro Bowl WR Nico Collins with an understanding in the league that he needs a contract adjustment,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported on X on April 23.
“It seems highly unlikely Houston would deal him, but teams have checked. Collins will make $20.6M this season when the WR market is double that.”
The Texans have time with Collins, who has not made a public stink about his situation.
Collins is signed through the 2027 season, though he will be on the Texans’ books through the 2029 season due to void years on the back end of his deal. That could also be an incentive for the Texans to work on an extension with Collins, though.
Texans Must Weigh All Options
GettyNico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans looks on during warmups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals.
The Texans would be parting with their most reliable pass-catcher, quarterback C.J. Stroud’s top target (especially with Tank Dell still recovering), and a team captain in Collins.
Collins ranks ninth in receiving yards over the past three seasons, per Stathead.
Collin’s three-year, $72.7 million contract ranks 16th in average value, per Spotrac. Only five of the 15 players on more lucrative deals have outproduced Collins since the start of the 2023 regular season.
The Texans did double up at wideout in the 2025 draft, selecting former Iowa State Cyclones Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
They also have 2024 sixth-round pick Xavier Hutchinson, who stepped up last season.
Still, moving on from Collins is not something the Texans should or likely will consider lightly, even with his injury concerns. Collins has never played a full regular-season slate of games in the NFL, including missing one game last season due to a concussion.
Collins also missed the regular-season finale, but the Texans were taking additional precautions with their starters. He suffered another concussion in the postseason on Wild Card Weekend.
Texans Expected to Make Draft Trade
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is seen before a game between the Auburn Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies.
While it may not involve Collins, the Texans are expected to swing a trade during the draft.
Caserio has been as aggressive as anyone in that regard.
“Houston always is looking to move around the draft, and more is expected,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on X on April 23. “Since becoming the Texans GM before the 2021 NFL Draft, Nick Caserio has executed 25 draft trades the past five years, including seven last year.”
Again, Collins may not be going anywhere on draft night. That does not mean Caserio and the Texans will not be working the phones in search of a trade.
Texans’ Nico Collins Drawing Trade Interest Ahead of 2026 Draft: Report