Day 1 of the NFL Draft is in the books, but that doesn’t mean the activity around the league is going to stop anytime soon. In fact, it might start heating up even more through the weekend and into the summer.
There’s been a lot of buzz around the wide receiver market in particular, with A.J. Brown poised to become a New England Patriot, and other names like George Pickens, Keon Coleman, and Brandon Aiyuk swirling around the rumor mill. Those all remain in play; however, a report from insider Jordan Schultz on Thursday adds another fascinating potential trade candidate to keep an eye on: Houston Texans star wideout Nico Collins.
“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. 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 27-year-old Collins is coming off a third straight 1,000+ yard season in which he racked up 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns.
Collins’ potential availability stems from, as Schultz mentioned, his desire for a contract adjustment that would pay him closer to what he’s worth in average annual salary. He currently makes $24.25 million per year, the 18th most at the position, despite averaging 81.4 receiving yards per game over the past three seasons, which ranks seventh among all wideouts in the league.
While it sounds like a trade is rather unlikely, if a team is willing to pony up and not only pay Collins the money he’s seeking but also provide the Texans a strong trade package in return, then a deal is absolutely possible. The Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers are just some of the teams that would make sense as potential suitors for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Next: Oilers Appear to Avoid Worst-Case Scenario with Connor McDavid Injury
