Texans general manager Nick Caserio put an end to those rumors Friday evening.
“We’re not trading Nico Collins,” Caserio told reporters during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. “Whoever reported it or whatever information that they had, they can shove it. We’re not trading Nico.”
Texans GM Nick Caserio speaking on Friday during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. AP That may require a new contract for Collins at some point.
He’s set to make $20.875 million next season on a deal signed in 2024 that makes him the 18th-highest paid player at the position, despite numbers that eclipse that designation.
Collins, per ESPN, has told teammates he’s underpaid.
The veteran tallied 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns this past season, and has 289 career catches for 4,347 receiving yards and 24 receiving scores across his five seasons with Houston.
Collins’ contract situation led to reports that teams were calling the Texans to ask if he was available.
It’s the second time this offseason Caserio has shot down rumors about one of his best players.
Nico Collins (l) won’t be traded this offseason, per his GM. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Quarterback C.J. Stroud was in the headlines after struggling in Houston’s playoff defeat to New England, but Caserio called the idea of moving him “moronic” in February.
Through two days of the draft, the Texans haven’t made a pick at wide receiver, underscoring Caserio’s comments.
Caserio added Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge in the first round, Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald in the second — ahead of the Giants — and Michigan tight end Marlin Klein in the third.
Their receiver depth chart, with Collins, Jayden Higgins and Tank Dell as a top three, hasn’t changed.
And, apparently, it won’t — at least at the top — anytime soon.
