HOUSTON – Texans general manager Nick Caserio delivered an unequivocal message to anyone potentially interested in trading for Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins: Don’t bother.
Caserio was asked about a trade rumor that NFL teams had made inquiries regarding Collins, the Texans’ most dangerous offensive skill player.
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“Look, teams call teams all the time to ask about players,” Caserio said in response to a question from KPRC 2. “We’re not trading Nico Collins. Whoever reported it, whatever information they had, I mean, they can take it and shove it. We’re not trading Nico.”
#Texans GM Nick Caserio full answer denying any interest from the team on fielding any potential trade inquiries for Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins @KPRC2 https://t.co/hmLtXbKZDF pic.twitter.com/m3jkRObM04
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 25, 2026
Collins signed a three-year, $75 million maximum value deal two years ago that included a $17 million signing bonus.
Collins is due $20 million fully guaranteed in 2026 and $21.25 million nonguaranteed in 2027. He has salary-cap figures of $27.517 million and $28.59 million over the next two years.
Collins restructured his contract to create $9.8 million in salary cap space last year, per a league source, as the Texans converted his $13.5 million base salary into a $12.33 million signing bonus. His original salary cap figure was $18.441 million for the 2025 season, and it was reduced to $8.577 million. To spread out the impact of the salary-cap maneuver, the Texans added void years of $40 million in 2028 and 2029.
He has annual $625,005 in per game active roster bonuses.
The deal includes annual $750,000 incentives: $250,000 for Pro Bowl selection, $250,000 for 95 catches, $250,000 for 1,460 receiving yards.
The deal could be restructured again for salary cap purposes. Collins is also likely due for a raise at some point and more years on his contract.
Collins, for his part, wants to remain a Texan for as long as possible
“Yeah, for sure, just keep this thing rolling, for sure, 1,000 percent,” Collins told KRPC 2 in February. “I love the city of Houston, man. I want to be here long-term, forever. My mom said every day, continue to be myself, continue to prove myself and get better. When the time is right, it will come.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.